Source Wion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 14, 2025 – A legendary 23-year career officially concluded as John Cena competed in his final WWE match at a special edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME), ultimately losing to Gunther via submission in a grueling contest.
The event, held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., was billed as “Saturday Night’s Main Event: John Cena’s Final Match,” and delivered on an emotionally charged main event, alongside several high-stakes Champion vs. Champion and NXT showcase matches.
Main Event: The End of an Era
In a highly anticipated, inaugural encounter, John Cena faced Gunther, who earned the right to be Cena’s final opponent by winning the “Last Time Is Now” tournament.
The match was a brutal affair, showcasing the Ring General’s punishing offense against Cena’s resilience. Despite Cena hitting two Attitude Adjustments—including one that drove Gunther through the announcer’s table—the Austrian powerhouse proved too dominant. The finish came when Gunther locked in a definitive Sleeper Hold, forcing the 17-time World Champion to tap out in a stunning, definitive conclusion to his in-ring tenure.
Following the match, the entire WWE locker room, including Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, emptied to the ring for a heartfelt send-off, acknowledging the “Greatest of All Time.” Cena left his boots in the center of the ring, a symbolic gesture signifying his retirement.
SNME 2025 Full Results:
John Cena vs. Gunther Singles Match (Cena’s Retirement Match) Gunther Gunther won via submission with the Sleeper Hold.
Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion) vs. Oba Femi (NXT Champion) Champion vs. Champion Singles Match Cody Rhodes Rhodes won via Disqualification (DQ) after interference from Drew McIntyre.
Bayley vs. Sol Ruca Singles Match Sol Ruca Ruca pinned the main roster veteran, signaling a major NXT upset.
AJ Styles & Dragon Lee (c) vs. Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater World Tag Team Championship Match
🌟 NXT Shines Against Main Roster
The night saw a strong performance from the NXT roster, highlighting the brand’s future stars.
In the opening contest, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes’ hard-fought battle with NXT Champion Oba Femi ended in controversy when Drew McIntyre interfered, attacking Rhodes and causing a disqualification. The two champions momentarily united post-match to clear the ring of McIntyre.
NXT’s Sol Ruca scored a major upset, defeating main roster staple Bayley. Ruca showcased incredible athleticism, securing the pinfall in a match that hints at a speedy main roster call-up.
The World Tag Team Champions, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee, successfully retained their titles against the NXT duo of Je’Von Evans and TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater in a fast-paced opener.
The final Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025 will be remembered for its thrilling action, but more so for the emotional, final chapter in the incredible career of John Cena.
