John Cena’s legendary wrestling career came to an emotional close, but not without an outpouring of support from some of America’s biggest sports icons and entertainment stars.
The 48-year-old wrestler received heartfelt video tributes from NFL legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, along with musician Jelly Roll, before his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.
Despite the star-studded send-off, Cena ultimately lost his retirement match against WWE star Gunther, tapping out to a chokehold.
But the loss didn’t diminish what became a powerful celebration of one of wrestling’s most influential careers.
Sports Legends Share Retirement Wisdom
NFL icon Peyton Manning, 49, brought humor to his tribute alongside brother Eli Manning during WWE SmackDown on Friday, December 12.
I’ve got to warn you when you enter the grocery store or step into your garage, there’s no entrance music at all in retirement, unless you play it yourself on your AirPods. So that’s a free tip from me to you. Congrats again, pal.
Eli, 44, couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at Cena’s sports allegiances.
You inspired so many people. You won a ton of championships, almost impressive enough for me to forget the fact that you’re a die-hard Patriots fan. But hey, I guess no one’s perfect, including the ’07 Patriots.
Brady Reflects on Final Matches
Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, 48, delivered his own special video message on Friday.
Congratulations on an incredible career. You’ve impacted the lives of so many people inside the ring and outside the ring. Good luck in your last match. I hope you fare better in yours than I did in mine.
Brady’s reference to his own retirement match resonated deeply, connecting two athletes who dominated their respective fields for decades.
Jelly Roll Honors “The Legendary, Never Seen 17”
Musician Jelly Roll, 41, who wrestled his own WWE match earlier in 2024, paid tribute to Cena’s record-breaking 17th WWE World Championship win at WrestleMania 41.
John Cena, the legendary, never seen 17. Man, thank you for all these years. Thank you for the inspiration. Thank you for being the role model that we all needed. You deserve this, brother. Congratulations, happy retirement.
Other celebrities contributing goodbye videos included Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg.
An Emotional Farewell in the Ring
Following his loss against Gunther, Cena received a touching send-off surrounded by wrestling contemporaries including CM Punk and Triple H.
He was gifted replica WWE championship belts as tokens of his legendary career. The West Newbury, Massachusetts native visibly absorbed what would be his final moments in professional wrestling.
Why Cena Chose to Walk Away
Cena stunned WWE fans when he announced his retirement during a surprise appearance at Money in the Bank on July 6, 2024, in Toronto, Canada.
Speaking to WWE interviewer Tom Rinaldi on December 8, Cena explained his reasoning with characteristic honesty.
I chose to retire. I made a promise to the WWE that I would not stick around when my skills can’t match the product, and they can’t. I’m 48. My 40-yard time has gone like [down]. I can’t match up with the product now, and that’s okay, because what I do isn’t who I am.
That realization drove his decision to step aside for newer talent.
A Farewell Tour for the Ages
Cena dedicated much of his 2025 schedule to professional wrestling, though he still managed to film two movies: action-adventure comedy Matchbox and Netflix comedy Little Brother.
His retirement tour included:
- Royal Rumble Match in January
- Men’s Elimination Chamber victory in February
- Undisputed WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 41 with help from rapper Travis Scott
- Street Fight loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam in August
- Matches against Brock Lesnar, A.J. Styles, and Dominik Mysterio
Addressing Skepticism About Retirement
Before his final match, Cena addressed doubters on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 10.
It’s weird, there’s a lot of skepticism out there because this has never been done before. I just hope people can come to grips with that because on the 13th — the reason I wanted to give people so much lead time — is being able to perform for two decades, people allowing me into their living rooms week after week, 52 weeks a year, no reruns, you do feel a connection with people.
From “Doctor of Thuganomics” to Hollywood Star
Cena started wrestling in 1999 and signed with WWE two years later.
After making his WWE SmackDown debut on June 27, 2002, against former Olympian Kurt Angle, he quickly became known as the “Doctor of Thuganomics.”
Cena parlayed WWE success into mainstream stardom, appearing in blockbusters like The Suicide Squad, F9: The Fast Saga, and Blockers. He currently stars in HBO Max’s hit series Peacemaker.
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event is available to stream now via Peacock.