The end of “Never Give Up”: John Cena taps out in emotional retirement match

Capping off a stellar career that defined a generation, John Cena wrestled Gunther in his final match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on Sunday (Manila time) in Washington, D.C.

Cena, the record-setting 17-time WWE World Champion, went out exactly like the wrestling legends before him—by putting over a rising star on his way out.

After a thrilling battle that saw Cena pull out all his signature moves, Gunther caught him in a sleeper hold. The leader of the “Cenation” fought off the submission multiple times, but the relentless “Ring General” ruthlessly locked the hold back in every single time.

Then, Cena shocked the WWE universe for one last time, tapping out to signal the end of his legendary 23-year run. It was a bittersweet moment as fans witnessed the 48-year-old icon violate his most sacred mantra—the one he had repeated to young fans and wore on his colorful shirts. In the end, John Cena finally gave up.

But while Cena, the iconic in-ring character, seemingly betrayed his own ethos, Cena, the longtime backstage leader, stayed true to the highest pro-wrestling tradition: using his final moment to elevate a younger star and providing a powerful example of giving back to the business.

The West Newbury, Massachusetts native made his WWE debut on June 27, 2002. More than two decades later, he has ascended to become one of the most decorated and recognizable wrestlers in history.

On top of owning the record for most world title reigns, Cena is a Grand Slam and Triple Crown Champion, a two-time Royal Rumble winner, a Money In The Bank contract holder, and a five-time United States Champion.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News