Cody Rhodes’s tearful moment after Cena’s goodbye fueled a wave of emotion that echoed through the arena. John Cena has stepped away from active WWE competition, marking the end of an era. Cena’s farewell match came at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he mounted a valiant effort but ultimately tapped to Gunther, succumbing to a sleeper hold after earlier escapes. The crowd’s reaction was electric: Cena sat in the ring as fans showered him with cheers, and the locker room filed out to applaud. In a symbolic gesture, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes presented Cena with their respective championship belts for him to raise one final time before he saluted the audience from the top of the ramp and disappeared backstage.
Rhodes spoke emotionally after the show, revealing how the moment left him moved and reflective. In an interview with Jackie Redmond, Rhodes admitted that when a moment feels truly special, you never want it to end. He praised Cena for “doing everything by the book,” highlighting how Cena mentored countless wrestlers and set an extraordinary standard. While he was thrilled by how Cena’s night unfolded, Rhodes also acknowledged a tinge of sadness that it had to conclude.
The two had a storied rivalry throughout 2025, colliding at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas and again in the SummerSlam main event. Cena claimed the world title at WrestleMania, becoming a 17-time champion, and Rhodes later reclaimed the title from Cena at SummerSlam. Cena continued on a retirement tour for much of the year, defeating opponents like Logan Paul, Dominik Mysterio, and AJ Styles along the way.
Opening the Cena-centric card on Saturday Night’s Main Event, Rhodes faced Oba Femi, the current NXT Champion, in a champion-versus-champion bout that ended in a no-contest due to Drew McIntyre’s interference. Cena has consistently stated that this would be his final appearance inside a wrestling ring as an active competitor.
The latest developments in WWE, AEW, and beyond
- WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event results, highlights, and live blog coverage
- Reports suggesting retirement tours for three legendary stars
- News on Kevin Owens and Natalya potentially transitioning into new WWE roles
- A second premium live event reportedly planned for 2026
