John Cena has officially retired from wrestling, leaving a lasting impact on WWE and its current lineup of stars. His final match took place on December 13 during Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced off against Gunther. In a surprising turn of events, Cena not only lost the match but also tapped out in defeat, reaffirming his commitment to retirement.
Throughout 2025, Cena embarked on a global retirement tour, facing a range of opponents, including past adversaries such as Randy Orton, CM Punk, and Brock Lesnar, as well as today’s talents like Gunther, Sami Zayn, and Dominik Mysterio. This farewell tour highlighted Cena’s dedication to the sport while allowing him to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of WWE superstars.
Maxxine Dupri, the current WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, shared her experience working with Cena during this period. In a recent interview, she recounted the valuable advice he imparted, encouraging her to seize every opportunity and embrace her uniqueness in the wrestling industry. Dupri emphasized Cena’s kindness and the importance of creativity and growth, which he consistently encouraged among emerging talents.
Dupri recently captured the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship by defeating Becky Lynch and is set to defend her title in a highly anticipated match on January 5, 2026. This match is particularly significant as it kicks off the new year for WWE, coinciding with the anniversary of their Netflix premiere. Additionally, the event will showcase other exciting matches, including Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky versus the Kabuki Warriors for the WWE Women’s World Championship, and a confrontation between CM Punk and Bron Breakker for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
John Cena’s legacy is not just defined by his accolades but also by the inspiration he has provided to both current and future wrestlers. His influence will undoubtedly be felt in WWE for years to come, as he set a standard for dedication and creativity in the ring. As the wrestling world looks ahead, fans can be hopeful for a new era where Cena’s lessons continue to inspire the next generation of superstars.