Reactions As John Cena Retires From Wrestling

Reactions have continued to trail the retirement of Wrestling legend, John Cena following a glittering career.

Cena announced his retirement on Saturday night after suffering defeat by Walter Hahn Gunter on Saturday night in his final match at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

He was forced to submit to a sleeper hold in a contest that lasted just under 25 minutes, ending one of the most decorated careers in WWE history.

It marked Cena’s first tap-out defeat since 2004, when he lost to Kurt Angle.

The defeat marked the second retirement match Gunther had ended in 2025, having earlier beaten Bill Goldberg in his final bout.

Cena started his professional wrestling career in 1999, and signed with WWE in 2001.

The 48-year-old retired as a 17-time world champion, the most title reigns recognised by WWE.

WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H confirmed that Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. became the highest-grossing arena show ever, not only in WWE history but also in the venue’s history.

The event surpassed the previous record set earlier this year by Raw’s Netflix debut at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome.

Wrestling legends, and fans have taken to social media to shower encomiums on John Cena.

Wrestling legend, Undertaker, was full of praise for Cena, describing his passion for the sport as unmatched.

He said: “Nice job. Those were the words I said to you 23 years ago when you debuted. Now, on the day of your final match, I say again…nice job.

“Hustle, loyalty, and respect is more than just a catchphrase. For 23 years you have lived by those words. Your passion for our business and dedication to our fan base is unmatched.

“To have shared the ring with you and have been a part of your journey has been an honour. As your in-ring career winds down, be proud of the body of work and the memories you’ve created.

“Enjoy the last ride tonight my friend and one final time…nice job.”

Another Wrestling legend, Kurt Angle praised Cena’s resilience, and passion for the sport.

He wrote on X: “From his unforgettable moments in the ring to his inspiring presence outside of it, John Cena has truly left an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment. I am proud to have been part of his journey, and what a ride it has been for him. His dedication, resilience, and passion have inspired countless fans and peers alike.

“As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life. Enjoy your last ride, John….a legend forever. Welcome to retirement, my friend.”

Similarly, The editor of Wrestlenomics, Brandon Thurston said Cena was WWE’s most important economic force from roughly 2005 to 2015.

He said: “He was the biggest draw in terms of pay-per-view buys, TV ratings, merchandise sales and live event attendance,” Thurston said, noting that Cena thrived even as WWE transitioned into a more scripted, family-friendly PG era.

Wrestling enthusiast, Toyyib described Cena as a worldwide force.

He wrote on X: “What an incredible run! He defined an entire era of wrestling. More than an athlete, he was a constant, worldwide force. That kind of longevity and impact is rare. Hats off and thank you, John Cena.”

Gassol hailed John Cena’s dedication to Wrestling.

He wrote on X: “John Cena isn’t just the GOAT. He’s the whole damn farm. 16 world titles, Make-A-Wish legend, soldier for the hustle-loyalty-respect army, and somehow still finds time to drop bangers in movies and rap verses that still slap. The man bleeds dedication.

“You can see the torch passes, new stars rise, but nobody carries it quite like him. Never has, never will. There will NEVER be another Cena. You can’t see him. but you always feel him. Respect forever.”

Ibeast said Wrestling will feel empty without John Cena.

He wrote on X: “This is the man who was always there. Now he’s gone. This sport will always feel empty now he’s retired. I’ve legit tears coming out my eyes. A part of my soul has died. John Cena, my life is yours. I love you man. Thank you for being our childhood hero.”

Victor Urameshi described John Cena as the greatest of all time, while also labeling him as his childhood hero.

He wrote on X: “I’ve been watching John Cena since I was 7 in 2011. I’m 21 now, which means for 14 years, John Cena has been a huge part of my life.

“I remember the first time I flipped the channel and heard his theme song, and it’s still clear in my mind. It’s crazy that I got to witness his final match. I truly thought he would never retire, and to me, John Cena has always been WWE.

“In my head, when he retires, it feels like WWE retires too. Obviously, that’s not the case, but this really does feel like the finale. I’m not afraid to admit it, I’m tearing up. He’s my childhood hero. John Cena really is the greatest of all time, and that’s not an exaggeration. And most of all, I just want to say thank you, John Cena. Thank you.”

‎Cena won his record-breaking 17th world title by defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania in April, before dropping both the titles to Rhodes at SummerSlam in August.

Cena held numerous championships and accomplishments in WWE, including the WWE Championship a record 14 times, the World Heavyweight Championship three times, the WWE United States Championship five times, the WWE Intercontinental Championship once, and the World Tag Team Championship, and WWE Tag Team Championship twice each.

He is the 35th Triple Crown and 25th Grand Slam champion. Cena also won the Royal Rumble match twice, the Money in the Bank match once, and headlined multiple major WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming events, including its flagship event, WrestleMania, six times (22, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 41 – Night 2).