The era of “The Champ” in the ring officially closed on December 13, 2025, when John Cena wrestled his final match at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. Held in Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, Cena’s long-awaited swan song headlined the final WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025.
The superstar, who had announced in July 2024 at Money in the Bank that 2025 would be his farewell tour, culminated a year of emotional highs with this poignant main event.
The Final Submission
In his final contest, the 48-year-old superstar faced Gunther. Though fans hoped for a fairy-tale victory and a record-breaking 17th world title, Cena instead elevated the rising Austrian powerhouse. Cena, whose career was synonymous with the “Never Give Up” mantra, was forced to tap out to the Ring General’s sleeper hold. This shocking defeat marked the first time Cena had been forced to tap out in 20 years. Following the submission loss, fans were distraught and jeered the victor, leading Gunther to require security to escort him out of the arena.
Tributes and Transition
After the match, Cena received tributes from legends and current stars, including Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, who paid their respects. The 17-time World Champion, who had broken Ric Flair’s historic record at WrestleMania 41 in 2025, had spent over 20 years in the WWE. Before departing the ring for the last time, Cena removed his trainers and sweatbands, leaving them on the canvas to signify the end of his wrestling career. He signed off by stating, “It’s been a pleasure serving you for all these years”.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Cena’s longtime rival-turned-friend, delivered a heartfelt tribute ahead of the match, calling Cena the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Johnson praised Cena for being a “good human being” and celebrated his “historic and extraordinary WWE career”.
While Cena steps away from in-ring competition, he is not leaving the company entirely, as he has signed a new five-year ambassador deal with WWE.
A Championship Bank Account
As Cena fully transitions to Hollywood, taking on major roles in franchises like Peacemaker and Fast & Furious, his financial standing is formidable. Per consistent reports in late 2025, Cena’s net worth stands at $80 million.
This fortune places him firmly in the top five richest wrestling icons of all time. His wealth was built through WWE salaries, endorsements (including Honda, Subway, and Gillette), savvy investments, and blockbuster film earnings, where he commands between $2 million and $7 million per movie.
Cena’s crossover success mirrors that of The Rock. However, his fortune remains substantially lower than other wrestling titans. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson sits at $800 million, while Vince McMahon tops the list at $3.2 billion, largely due to building and selling stakes in WWE (now TKO Group).
The wrestling world acknowledges Cena’s legacy, marked by “hustle, loyalty, and respect,” as the greatest era of pro wrestling comes to an end.