The lights have finally dimmed on the most storied career in professional wrestling history. On December 13, 2025, in Washington D.C., the unthinkable happened: John Cena left his iconic wristbands in the center of the ring and walked away for good.
While fans are still drying their eyes, we have to look back at the incredible journey that led us here. The John Cena retirement wasn’t just a single match; it was a year-long masterclass in storytelling and gratitude. From record-breaking title wins to shocking character shifts, Cena ensured his final year was his most impactful.
Here is our ranking of the top five moments from the legendary John Cena retirement tour.
5. Completing the Puzzle: The Grand Slam Win (November 10, 2025)
For two decades, there was one glaring hole in Cena’s resume: The Intercontinental Championship. Cena finally silenced the critics by defeating Dominik Mysterio in his hometown of Boston.
Seeing Cena hold the “Workhorse Title” didn’t just make him a Grand Slam Champion; it signaled that this retirement tour was about more than just a farewell—it was about finishing the story. It was the perfect “thank you” to the fans who followed him from his “Prototype” days.
4. The Final Royal Rumble: A Upset for the Ages (February 1, 2025)
Entering at Number 23, John Cena’s final Royal Rumble appearance was an emotional rollercoaster. While many expected the GOAT to punch his ticket to WrestleMania right then and there, the story took a shocking turn. Cena made it to the final three, but in a massive ‘passing of the torch’ moment, he was eliminated by Jey Uso.
Seeing ‘Main Event’ Jey Uso eliminate Cena to win the Rumble was the first major sign that Cena’s retirement tour wouldn’t just be a victory lap—it was going to be a year where he truly helped elevate the next generation of icons.
3. History is Made: The 17th World Title (April 20, 2025)
At WrestleMania 41, the John Cena retirement tour reached its emotional peak. In a grueling main event against Cody Rhodes, Cena did the impossible: he surpassed Ric Flair’s long-standing record to become the first-ever 17-time World Champion.
Even as a part-timer, Cena proved he could still go at a main-event level. The image of him holding that title aloft, tears in his eyes, while the stadium turned into a sea of “Thank You Cena” signs, is a frame that will live in WWE history forever.
2. The Final Boss Alliance: A Shocking Character Shift (March 1, 2025)
We waited 15 years for it, and we finally got it. Cena shocked the world by aligning with The Rock’s “Final Boss” persona. This brief but intense heel-adjacent run allowed Cena to show a side of himself we hadn’t seen since the “Doctor of Thugonomics” era. It added a layer of unpredictability to the John Cena retirement narrative, proving that even in his final months, he could still keep the audience guessing.
1. The Ultimate Sacrifice: Tapping Out to Gunther (Dec 13, 2025)
The #1 moment of the John Cena retirement took place just days ago at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Facing “The Ring General” Gunther, Cena did the most “old school” thing a legend can do: he went out on his shield.
In a shocking finish, the man whose entire brand was built on “Never Give Up” finally tapped out to Gunther’s sleeper hold. By losing his final match via submission, Cena gave Gunther the ultimate “rub,” cementing the future of the company at the expense of his own ending. It was a selfless, gritty, and perfect conclusion to a career defined by loyalty and respect.
What’s Next After the John Cena Retirement?
While Cena is done as an active wrestler, his presence in WWE isn’t over. He has officially signed a 5-year ambassador contract, meaning we will still see him at big events, though he will no longer be lace-up the boots. With Hollywood calling louder than ever (keep an eye out for his 2026 film slate!), the “GOAT” is trading the squared circle for the silver screen.
What was your favorite moment from the John Cena retirement tour? Did you prefer the record-breaking title win or the final match against Gunther? Let us know in the comments below!