John Cena Explains Why He Wasn't Emotional On The Night Of Final WWE Match

December 13, 2025 proved to be an emotional day for WWE fans as it marked the final performance of John Cena's in-ring career. Tears were shed. Jaws were dropped. And childhood memories flashed before spectators' eyes.

Cena himself remained poised through it all, largely due to the fact he had already mentally prepared for the farewell moment.

"What I do and how I perform is not for my personal satisfaction," Cena told "Busted Open Radio." "It is for the reaction of the audience. And if they felt emotional the day that I stopped performing in the ring, that's the feels that they have. A lot of people who were super emotional on my last day, I didn't share those emotions. I'm completely sympathetic, but I had already compartmentalized my journey. I know it's a chapter in my life. I work every day on self-worth, stuff like that. Man, I finished my last match. I have left nothing on the table. There is nothing more I could give."

In the final match of his wrestling career, Cena faced the winner of "The Last Time Is Now" tournament, GUNTHER, at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event. The 17-time world champion sparked hope in the fans watching from home and those in attendance as he delivered his signature "Fives Moves of Doom" to "The Ring General." Still, it wasn't enough to pick up the win as GUNTHER powered through and locked Cena in a sleeper hold, forcing him to tap out.

The scene of Cena submitting left the WWE Universe speechless, and somewhat angry. Cena, on the other hand, considered it a peaceful ending to a legendary chapter in WWE.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Busted Open Radio" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.