John Cena’s legendary career concluded with a submission loss to Gunther in the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The “Ring General” forced Cena to tap out to a sleeper hold, bringing an end to the 17-time world champion’s tenure as an active competitor in Washington, D.C.
From the opening bell, the audience at the Capital One Arena established themselves as the “third man” in the ring. The crowd reacted thunderously to every movement, showering Cena with affection while directing vitriol toward Gunther’s aggressive tactics, including chants of “Asshole” as he pummeled Cena with chops and stomps early on.
The match featured high-stakes brawling both inside and outside the ring. In a pivotal moment, Gunther positioned steel steps near the commentary desk, intending to punish Cena. However, Cena countered, delivering an Attitude Adjustment off the steps that sent Gunther crashing through the announce table.
Back inside, the two exchanged heavy artillery. Cena executed a top-rope leg drop and later an Avalanche Attitude Adjustment, but neither secured the three-count. Gunther responded with a powerbomb and a top-rope splash, which also resulted in a near-fall.
The closing stretch was defined by Gunther’s relentless application of the sleeper hold. Despite Cena powering out of the hold multiple times, and even delivering a final Attitude Adjustment between submission attempts, Gunther reapplied the grip with body scissors.
With nowhere left to go, Cena tapped out, signaling the end of his in-ring career.
