At a WWE New Year‘s Live Event in Syracuse, New York, Sami Zayn—known as John Cena‘s final SmackDown opponent—faced Gunther in a highly anticipated match. The bout served as a unique tribute, as Zayn honored Cena with several signature moves before ultimately being defeated by Gunther.
The WWE event featured an exciting lineup, headlined by Cody Rhodes taking on Drew McIntyre in advance of their upcoming Three Stages of Hell match. One of the most notable moments came when Zayn, a member of a select group who has managed to defeat Gunther before, attempted to reclaim that glory, this time by incorporating aspects of Cena’s iconic moveset. While Zayn even performed Cena’s signature Attitude Adjustment, his homage could not overcome Gunther’s formidable strength. Ultimately, Zayn’s tribute highlighted the respect and influence Cena has within WWE, despite the match ending in defeat for Zayn.
Reflecting on Cena’s Poetic Final SmackDown Appearance
John Cena’s last outing as an active SmackDown performer took place at the AllState Arena on September 5, 2025, just before Wrestlepalooza. The event marked more than just the end of a chapter; it was a full-circle moment in Cena’s storied career. Over two decades earlier, in the exact same building, a young Cena debuted by boldly confronting Kurt Angle, nearly defeating him in an introduction that would help launch the Ruthless Aggression Era in WWE.
Returning to the AllState Arena to close out his SmackDown legacy, Cena faced Sami Zayn, and the moment was rich with irony and history. Zayn himself had made an early mark on the main roster a decade earlier, stepping up to Cena in an open challenge match held in 2015. The roles changed for their final encounter, as Zayn entered the bout as United States Champion, a testament to both performers’ evolving legacies.
Their encounter was building into a classic, only to be disrupted by the unexpected interference of Brock Lesnar, altering what could have been a perfect ending to Cena’s run on SmackDown. Still, many consider the match and its poignant setting a fitting conclusion to Cena’s journey on the blue brand.
The Lasting Impact of Cena’s Farewell and Zayn’s Tribute
The presence of key WWE stars, such as Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Gunther, at the New Year’s event in Syracuse, underscores the depth and talent currently showcased in WWE. Zayn’s choice to pay homage to Cena during his match, especially by using the Attitude Adjustment, reflects Cena’s lasting impression on WWE’s performers and fans alike. This ongoing legacy connects multiple generations, including rivals Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar, and solidifies the influence of major WWE icons on emerging stars.
The outcome of the match—with Zayn falling to Gunther despite his best efforts and tributes—demonstrates the unpredictable nature of WWE events while highlighting both the tradition and emotion that surround milestone moments like John Cena’s final SmackDown appearance. Looking ahead, these intertwined storylines and unique tributes ensure that the impact of Cena’s farewell, along with the rise of competitors like Zayn and Gunther, will resonate throughout future WWE narratives.
Sami Cena #WWESyracuse pic.twitter.com/3aCEifBbm4
— Piledriver Press aka Marcus⭕️ (@PiledriverPress) January 2, 2026
