WWE legend John Cena has retired from professional wrestling, bringing the curtain down on a 24-year in-ring career after his final match at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
Cena bowed out at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced Gunther in his farewell bout.
The 48-year-old was defeated after being 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.
Fans inside the arena watched in disbelief as Gunther relentlessly kept Cena locked in the hold during the closing moments of the match, despite loud chants urging the veteran to fight on.
When Cena eventually tapped out, some supporters were seen in tears.
The ending stunned fans, as Cena, long known for never tapping out during his career, was forced to submit for the first time, finally giving in to Gunther’s sleeper hold.
After the bell rang, wrestlers from the WWE locker room emerged to honour him.
