John Cena’s legendary WWE journey continues to spark conversations long after his official retirement, especially following a recent moment involving AEW star Thunder Rosa referencing his final bout. The attention centered on Cena’s last match, an emotional contest held at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025, has now gained even more traction, especially with the mention of the John Cena final WWE match by Thunder Rosa.
Thunder Rosa Highlights Cena’s Last WWE Appearance
Thunder Rosa, a former AEW Women’s World Champion, drew fresh attention to the John Cena final WWE match, joining the wider wrestling community in reflecting on its significance. Cena’s last contest saw him headline against Gunther, who earned his spot after winning The Last Time is Now tournament. Taking place on a prominent WWE stage, the match symbolized the end of an era.
During this intense faceoff, Cena gave everything in the ring, but Gunther ultimately proved too much, clinching victory with a decisive sleeper hold. As Cena submitted, a serene smile could be seen on his face, which instantly went viral across social media platforms. This moment quickly became iconic, with fans and outlets sharing and discussing it widely.
Social Media Buzz and Thunder Rosa’s Reference
Thunder Rosa’s involvement came when a Sports Prediction Market Instagram account used an image of Cena’s final match to highlight the unique achievement of the 2025 Texans in the NFL. The post compared the Texans’ improbable playoff run—starting 0-3 but still qualifying—to Cena’s perseverance and ultimate defeat, and Rosa reshared it, making a pointed reference to the Cenation Leader. Her engagement reignited interest and commentary around John Cena’s final WWE moments, showcasing the enduring legacy of the WWE icon among both peers and fans.
Reactions from Peers, Including The Miz
The outcome of that final match, which saw Cena tap out to Gunther, sparked mixed reactions within the wrestling community. Some fans and wrestling insiders expressed disappointment, while others believed the scenario was fitting for a star of Cena’s stature. Notably, one of Cena’s longtime rivals, The Miz, saw the match as a perfect sendoff for the superstar.
“That match with Gunther; it was everything you wanted it to be. It was the perfect last match for John Cena, the perfect foil for his baby face. And to see him, some people say he was smiling, I don’t know. It looked kind of like a grimace to me. And then him to finally giving up to a person like Gunther, and then to watch Gunther come out on Monday, that’s what I wanted to see. That’s the number one thing I wanted to see,” The Miz said.
The Miz’s perspective adds to the ongoing discourse about whether Cena’s exit was handled correctly, with his comments highlighting both the emotional intensity and narrative closure surrounding Cena’s farewell.
Aftermath and What Lies Ahead
Now that Cena’s wrestling chapter is officially over, the focus shifts to what might be next for the seventeen-time WWE World Champion. With names like Gunther and Thunder Rosa continuing to honor Cena’s contributions, and with active discussion fueled by his final match, it’s clear the impact of his career continues to resonate. The John Cena final WWE match stands as a touchstone for fans and talent across both WWE and AEW, underscoring his lasting legacy in professional wrestling.
