John Cena Retires After Legendary 23-Year Wrestling Career

Legendary wrestler John Cena officially ended his illustrious 23-year career after an emotional retirement match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII in Washington DC on Saturday night.

Cena, a 17-time World Champion, concluded his career with a final bout against Gunther, losing the intense 23-minute contest after being forced to tap out to a Sleeper Hold. The match was part of his year-long “Last Time is Now” farewell tour, drawing a roaring response from the crowd when Cena made his iconic entrance.

Throughout his career, Cena achieved historic milestones, including capturing 17 world titles and creating the legendary catchphrase, “You Can’t See Me.” He debuted professionally in 1999 as “The Prototype” in Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) before joining WWE in 2001. Over the years, he became the face of the company, embodying “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” while inspiring fans worldwide with his “Never Give Up” mantra.

Cena’s decorated career includes 14 WWE Championships, three World Heavyweight Championships, five United States Championships, four Tag Team Championships, and one Intercontinental Championship, earning him the distinction of Grand Slam Champion. He also won the Royal Rumble twice (2008 and 2013) and the Money in the Bank ladder match in 2012, competing in over 2,200 matches with a winning percentage of 78.6%.

Beyond wrestling, Cena has cultivated a successful acting career since his debut in 2006 with The Marine. He gained acclaim for both action and comedic roles, starring as Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad (2021) and its spin-off series Peacemaker (2022–present), Agent Jack Burns in Bumblebee (2018), and Jakob Toretto in F9: The Fast Saga (2021). Cena has also earned praise for his comedic performances in films like Trainwreck (2015) and Blockers (2018).

Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era in professional wrestling, leaving behind a legacy defined by championship victories, inspiring catchphrases, and a lasting impact both inside and outside the ring.