John Cena Salutes SNME Crowd in Video After Retirement Match of Historic WWE Career

John Cena saluted the crowd at Capital One Arena after his legendary wrestling career came to an end at Saturday Night's Main Event in Washington, D.C.

Cena fought hard against Gunther in his retirement match, but was eventually forced to tap out after he was put in a sleeper hold by The Ring General.

Despite the loss, Saturday was a memorable night for the 48-year-old. He greeted several former opponents following an electric entrance and was serenaded with "Thank you Cena" chants by the crowd after his final match.

The 48-year-old first announced that 2025 would be his final year of in-ring competition in July 2024.

Cena shockingly turned heel at Elimination Chamber in March before becoming a record-breaking, 17-time world champion by defeating Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41.

While he eventually dropped the title to Rhodes at SummerSlam, he went on to have matches with both familiar and new opponents including Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, Logan Paul and Dominik Mysterio.

Before Cena exited the ring on Saturday, he made sure to give fans one last salute.