John Cena: The Farewell of a Legend in Wrestling
John Cena, after more than two decades of career, is preparing for his farewell from the ring. His story, etched in the memory of the fans, culminates in a special event.
The Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. will be the stage for his last performance. Cena, known as “The Gladiator”, says goodbye after a career that transformed professional wrestling.
From his beginnings in WWE, through his evolution to becoming a global icon, Cena marked an era.
The End of an Icon
Cena’s “farewell tour”, which shook the industry in 2024, was a journey filled with emotion. This stage included confrontations with key figures from his career.
- Cody Rhodes
- CM Punk
- Randy Orton
- Brock Lesnar
- A.J. Styles
- Sami Zayn
These matches revived iconic moments, generating nostalgia among the fans.
WWE designed the “The Last Time is Now” tournament to select the last opponent of the 17-time champion.
The tournament began in Boston, and Walter Hahn ‘Gunther’ advanced with determination. The Austrian wrestler defeated several opponents, securing his place in the final match.
The Hero’s Journey
The final confrontation represents the closing of a transcendental figure. John Felix Anthony Cena Jr., born April 23, 1977, has a 26-year career.
From his debut in 2002 against Kurt Angle, Cena stood out for his presence and charisma. Initially, he faced the risk of being fired, which led him to reinvent himself.
He adopted the “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, which propelled him to fame and allowed him to win his first United States Championship at WrestleMania XX.
In 2005, he became the face of the company, winning his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21, marking the beginning of a decade of dominance.
A Champion Inside and Outside the Ring
Cena starred in memorable rivalries with Edge, Orton, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and CM Punk, solidifying a golden age for wrestling.
His work ethic and loyalty to the company were exemplary. His transition to Hollywood was successful, but he never forgot his roots in wrestling.
The “Farewell Tour” of 2025 reaffirmed its validity. In that tour, he won his 17th world championship by defeating Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, breaking the historical tie with Ric Flair.
Months later, in November, he became a Grand Slam Champion by defeating Dominik Mysterio and capturing the Intercontinental Championship, the only title he was missing.
His impact goes beyond achievements in the ring. Cena has fulfilled more than 650 wishes through the Make-A-Wish foundation, demonstrating his commitment to the community.
The Legacy of “You Can’t See Me”
Cena’s iconic gesture, “You can’t see me”, came from a family anecdote. His brother Sean challenged him to imitate a dance by rapper Tony Yayo.
Cena adopted the hand gesture as a symbol of speed and dedication. The Capital One Arena eagerly awaits this historic event.
Gunther, the opponent, represents the future of wrestling, but Saturday night belongs to Cena.
In his last presentation, Cena will raise his arm and say goodbye, marking the end of an era. WWE and popular culture will say goodbye to an unforgettable gladiator.
The sound of the bell will signal the end of his time as an active fighter, making him a legend.
