John Cena vs. Gunther Full Match Recap & Highlights WWE Saturday Night's Main Event (December 13, 2025)

The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and history was made. On December 13, 2025, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., WWE Saturday Night's Main Event delivered an emotional rollercoaster capped by John Cena's final in-ring match against "The Ring General" Gunther. What was billed as Cena's farewell tour climax — "The Last Time Is Now" — became a 24-minute masterpiece of storytelling, athleticism, and bittersweet closure. Cena, the 16-time World Champion (17 if you count his record-tying reign), announced his 2025 retirement at Money in the Bank 2024, embarking on a global tour that culminated here. Gunther, fresh off winning "The Last Time Is Now Tournament" by defeating LA Knight, earned the honor — or burden — of ending the GOAT's career.

The event, simulcast on Peacock in the USA and Netflix internationally, drew 19,232 fans who witnessed Cena tap out in a shocking submission finish, passing the torch to the Austrian powerhouse. But this wasn't just a match; it was a celebration of Cena's 23-year legacy, complete with tributes, tears, and a post-match locker room salute led by Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk. Let's break down the full card, the epic main event, and why this night will live forever in WWE lore.

The Card: A Night of Cross-Brand Clashes and NXT Showcases

Saturday Night's Main Event revived the classic '80s format with a stacked lineup blending Raw, SmackDown, and NXT talent. Hosted by Joe Tessitore and Stephanie McMahon, the show kicked off with high-energy openers before building to Cena's swan song.

Match 1: Sol Ruca def. Bayley
NXT's rising star Ruca upset the veteran in a solid opener, showcasing her athleticism with a Sol Snatcher for the pin. A clean win that put NXT women on notice.

Match 2: World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee def. Je'Von Evans & Leon Slater
The champs retained in a fast-paced spotfest, with Styles' Phenomenal Forearm sealing the deal. Evans and Slater (TNA X-Division Champ) impressed, earning "This is awesome" chants.

Match 3: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi – No Contest
Rhodes dominated early, but Drew McIntyre's interference (claymore to both) forced a DQ. Post-match chaos set up future feuds.

The undercard delivered fun crossovers, but the arena's energy was reserved for the main event — Cena's goodbye.

The Main Event: John Cena vs. Gunther – Cena's Final Match

Lilian Garcia's introduction — "For the final time... John Cena!" — drew tears before the bell. Cena entered to his classic theme, saluting fans in a "Never Give Up" shirt, while Gunther marched out to boos, exuding arrogance.

The 24-minute war was a technical clinic mixed with nostalgia. Gunther targeted Cena's neck early with chops that echoed like gunshots, drawing "Woo!" chants. Cena fired back with shoulder blocks and a Five Knuckle Shuffle, the crowd erupting for every "You Can't See Me." Near-falls galore: Cena's Attitude Adjustment got a 2.9, Gunther's powerbomb a close 2.8. Cena locked in the STF, but Gunther reached the ropes.

The turning point: Gunther's relentless sleeper holds. Cena escaped twice, hitting another AA through the announce table outside — a holy sh*t moment. Back in the ring, Cena rallied with punches, but Gunther countered into a third sleeper. Cena faded, the ref raised his arm three times... it fell the third. No — Cena powered up for one last surge, but Gunther reapplied the hold deeper. In a rare sight, Cena tapped out.

Winner: Gunther via submission (23:45). Grade: A

The finish stunned the arena — boos rained on Gunther, some on Triple H (meta heat for the booking). But it was perfect storytelling: Cena, the ultimate babyface, putting over the future by jobbing clean. Gunther's resume boost is massive; he's now the man who retired Cena.

Post-match magic: Cena bowed center-ring, kissing the mat as "Thank You Cena" chants thundered. The entire roster — legends like Kurt Angle, Trish Stratus, and modern stars — surrounded the ring. Rhodes and Punk placed the Undisputed and World Heavyweight titles on Cena's shoulders; he handed them back, symbolizing the torch pass. Triple H and Stephanie embraced him; Cena saluted all four sides, tears flowing. No mic drop speech — just raw emotion, ending with Cena carrying a young fan on his shoulders for one last lap.

Highlights and Key Moments

• Cena's Entrance: Emotional video package with tributes from Shawn Michaels, Becky Lynch, and more.
• Table Spot: Cena's AA through the table — crowd popped huge.
• Sleeper Saga: Gunther's three applications built drama masterfully.
• Tribute Ceremony: Locker room salute, belts on shoulders — pure goosebumps.

Why This Match Mattered: Legacy and the Future

Cena's loss wasn't anticlimactic; it was selfless. By tapping to Gunther — a heel on the rise — Cena elevated the next generation, echoing Hulk Hogan jobbing to The Rock. Fans booed initially, but social media shifted to appreciation: "Cena didn't need the win; he gave us everything." Gunther, already a dominant force, now carries "The Man Who Retired Cena" forever.

The event averaged 4.2 million viewers on Peacock, WWE's highest non-PLE since 2023. Merch sales spiked — Cena's final shirt sold out in hours.

Final Thoughts: Thank You, Cena

Saturday Night's Main Event wasn't just a show; it was a farewell to an era. John Cena — Marine, rapper, Make-A-Wish king, 16-time champ — bowed out on his back, looking up at the lights, cementing his legend as the ultimate company man. Gunther's victory propels him toward 2026 main events, while Cena transitions to Hollywood full-time (Peacemaker Season 2 incoming).

From "You Can't See Me" to "We Will Miss You," Cena's impact is eternal. December 13, 2025: The night the GOAT said goodbye.