John Cena Makes Iconic Final WWE Entrance for Historic Retirement Match on Video

John Cena, the 17-time world champion, is officially retiring after his final match Saturday at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event against Gunther.

Here's how his entrance looked for his swan song:

Ahead of Cena's final match, more than a few WWE legends paid their respects to the longtime superstar, including The Rock and Kurt Angle:

Cena, 48, has been one of WWE's most prominent and popular superstars since his television debut in 2002. His ascension came as the company was looking for an heir apparent to The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

While he was beloved by many and hated by others, there was no doubt Cena almost always generated a reaction.

And while more than a few stars have "retired" only to resurface now and again in future years, Cena doesn't seem likely to return to the ring.

"I chose to retire," he told Tom Rinaldi in an interview for WWE. "I made a promise to the WWE that I would not stick around when my skills can't match the product, and they can't. I'm 48. My 40-yard time has gone like [down]. I can't match up with the product now, and that's okay, because what I do isn't who I am. The realization of that has helped me come to like, no, let these guys have it now because they're really good. All I would be doing is a disservice to the consumer if I go any point beyond this."

He will remain an ambassador for WWE, alongside his successful career as a television and movie actor.

As for his final act? Well, he quite literally tapped out.

As metaphors go, it was a bit on the nose. But Cena left no doubt that he's indeed done in the ring.