John Cena Taps Out in Final WWE Match to Gunther

New Delhi, December 15, 2025: The legendary 23-year career of John Cena in WWE came to a shocking and controversial close on Saturday night, as the 17-time World Champion was forced to submit to Gunther in the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event. The unusual finish—Cena tapping out to a Sleeper Hold—sent a wave of disbelief and anger through the fanbase, with many netizens labeling it the “worst end to the GOAT.”

A Brutal Final Contest

The match itself was a hard-hitting, emotional battle that showcased Cena’s trademark fighting spirit against the merciless technical prowess of Gunther, the self-proclaimed ‘Ring General’. In a contest full of high drama, Cena fought off multiple submission attempts and even delivered a signature Attitude Adjustment through the announcer’s table, but he was unable to secure the pinfall.

The final sequence saw Gunther lock in his devastating Sleeper Hold. Despite Cena’s struggle and multiple attempts to break free—a testament to his “Never Give Up” mantra—Gunther’s unrelenting pressure proved too much. In a moment rarely seen throughout his illustrious career, the wrestling icon had no choice but to tap out, handing the victory to Gunther and bringing his time as an active competitor to an abrupt close.

Fan Fury and the “Worst End” Backlash

The immediate aftermath was one of widespread confusion and intense frustration. Tapping out is a rare, almost unprecedented way for a superstar of Cena’s stature to end his career, especially for a character built on resilience.

• In-Arena Discontent: Loud chants of “Bullsh*t” and “You f****d up” reportedly echoed through the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. This anger was directed not only at the finish but also at WWE’s creative team, with Executive Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque drawing heavy boos from the crowd when he came out post-match.
• Online Criticism: Social media exploded with criticism. Fans felt a career defined by inspiring millions should have ended with a more fitting, heroic, or at least decisive defeat, such as a knockout, not a surrender. Posts across platforms called it the “worst end to the GOAT” and a total mishandling of one of wrestling’s most important farewells.

Triple H Defends the Decision

Speaking after the event, Triple H addressed the backlash, firmly defending the creative decision. He suggested the loss was in line with an age-old wrestling tradition: a retiring legend “goes out on his back” to elevate the next generation.

“John has said the right thing his entire career—that it’s about leaving this place better than you found it,” Triple H stated, implying that Cena willingly chose to sacrifice his final moment to boost Gunther’s already rising star.

While the decision ensures Gunther—who has now defeated both Cena and Goldberg in retirement matches—has a monumental victory on his resume, it remains a bitter pill for the ‘Cenation’ to swallow.

A Final Farewell

Despite the polarizing finish, the final moments were steeped in respect. The entire WWE locker room, including champions Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, poured out to the ring to give Cena a standing ovation. Visibly emotional, Cena removed his iconic sneakers and wristbands, leaving them in the ring—a traditional symbol of a wrestler’s retirement.

He closed his in-ring chapter with a salute and one final message to the crowd: “It’s been a pleasure serving you all these years, thank you.”

While the final match will forever be debated, John Cena leaves behind a legacy of dominance, record-breaking title reigns, and an unmatched commitment to his fans and the wrestling business.