John Cena's farewell appearance turned into an emotional night for wrestling fans worldwide, as the longtime standard-bearer stepped into the ring for the final time. The 17-time world champion faced Gunther in a hard-hitting contest that saw both competitors push each other to the limit.
The match concluded with a rare and striking moment, as Cena tapped out for the first time in more than two decades, bringing his storied in-ring career to an end in defeat. Many fans had hoped to see Cena sign off with a victory, but the result left sections of the crowd visibly disappointed despite the deeply emotional atmosphere.
After the final bell, chants of disapproval echoed through the arena, with fans voicing frustration over the outcome. Cena, recovering from a punishing sleeper hold, appeared visibly emotional as he absorbed the moment.
With Cena leaving his boots in the ring, one of WWE's most poignant chapters has drawn to a close. As tributes continue to pour in across social media, attention now turns to what role the veteran star may play in the industry going forward.
Gunther, meanwhile, delivered on his promise by forcing the widely regarded greatest of all time to submit, securing what is being seen as the biggest victory of his career. While celebrating the win, his reaction further underlined his villainous persona, reinforcing his status as one of WWE's most dominant antagonists. His next move, potentially involving a world title challenge, remains to be seen.