John Cena walks towards the raw light of the last spotlight with the unusual serenity of someone who understands an inexorable fact. His story, written on canvas for more than two decades, already belongs to other people’s memory.
The Capital One Arena in Washington, DC opens its doors this Saturday, December 13 under a dense atmosphere. The costumes give way to “The Gladiator” for its final act.
With Cena, professional wrestling went through a total transformation, from entering WWE as a muscular boy from West Newbury (Massachusetts) to becoming a global symbol.
The fighter announced his retirement after a “farewell tour” that shook the foundations of the industry in the summer of 2024. That announcement displayed an agenda full of emotion in each scenario.
The itinerary included vital names in his legend such as Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles and Sami Zayn. Each duel recovered golden chapters and fans comment on those fights with the same reverence as the classics.
For this goodbye, WWE designed The Last Time is Now tournament. The objective was to select the definitive rival of the 17-time champion.
It began symbolically in Boston, the home of the idol, and Walter Hahn “Gunther” advanced with martial authority. The Austrian bested Lacey Evans, Carmelo Hayes and Solo Sikoa until her decisive victory against LA Knight in Austin on December 5.
That victory gave him the right to the historic combat. Grief represents much more than a generational crossing. It is equivalent to the closure for a transversal figure. John Felix Anthony Cena Jr., born on April 23, 1977, has a 26-year career.
At 48 years old, he retains the fierce look of his debut in 2002 against Kurt Angle, when he said two decisive words: “Ruthless Aggression.”
The public then discovered a talent with a physical presence and verbal self-confidence capable of breaking molds. However, a risk of early dismissal forced him to reinvent himself.
Takeoff of his career
He adopted the identity of the “Doctor of Thuganomics,” improvising hurtful rhymes with a chain around his neck. That rebellious version propelled him to mass popularity and carried him all the way to WrestleMania XX, where he captured his first United States Championship.
Since 2005 it became the face of the company. He won his first WWE championship at WrestleMania 21. A decade of absolute prominence, champion inside and outside the ring, began.
Cena built epic rivalries against Adam Copeland “Edge”, Orton, “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson and CM Punk, who marked a golden era of television viewership. His work ethic validated his life motto. Even his transition to Hollywood happened without drama. The actor grew up with roles like Peacemaker, but the fighter never forgot his roots.
Loyalty defined his relationship with the company, returning whenever the schedule allowed.
The “Farewell Tour” of 2025 confirmed its athletic validity. On that tour he won his 17th world championship by defeating Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, breaking a tie with Ric Flair.
Months later, in November, he achieved Grand Slam Champion status by defeating Dominik Mysterio and capturing the Intercontinental Championship, the only trophy absent from his showcase.
The data is impressive, but it does not explain the phenomenon. His record of more than 650 wishes granted at the Make-A-Wish Foundation expresses his deep respect for his community.
John adopted the movement of his hand in front of his face as a symbol of unattainable speed.
This Saturday, Cena will raise his arm for the last time and look at the stands with the peace of duty accomplished. Then the WWE will lose its emblem and popular culture will say goodbye to a tenacious gladiator.— EFE