John Cena officially stepped away from in-ring competition on December 13, 2025, during Saturday Night’s Main Event. In a poignant singles match, The Ring General Gunther forced Cena to submit, marking the end of Cena’s wrestling career. Despite Cena’s announcement that he will no longer wrestle, many fans in the WWE Universe still hold onto hope for a possible return.
Oba Femi Expresses Regret Over Missing Chance to Wrestle John Cena
Oba Femi, the newest addition to the SmackDown roster, recently spoke about Cena’s retirement during an appearance on the No Contest Wrestling podcast. Femi shared his sadness over Cena’s decision, revealing that he wished he could have wrestled Cena before he left the ring. He even hoped to be the one to retire Cena at the December event.
“I really wanted to work with John. I was really hoping and praying, ‘Don’t go, don’t go too fast.’ But he did. I was really hoping to work with him, especially when a lot of people were putting fire under the idea of me being the one to retire him and stuff like that. I was really hoping that would happen, but it didn’t,” said Oba Femi.
Oba Femi’s Journey Since Joining SmackDown
Oba Femi officially debuted on the main roster on the February 6 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, held in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his first match, he quickly defeated Kit Wilson in less than a minute, showcasing his dominance as WWE’s newest powerhouse. Prior to his main roster debut, Femi also participated in the Men’s Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he came face to face with Brock Lesnar.
Context on Cena’s Recent Match and Legacy
The match where Gunther made Cena tap out was a significant moment, as it not only ended Cena’s active wrestling career but also symbolized the changing guard in WWE. Cena, a longtime figurehead of the company, has been a hero to many fans and wrestlers alike, making his retirement a bittersweet moment in WWE history. The outcome underscored the rise of newer talent such as Gunther and Oba Femi.
Significance and Future Implications for WWE and Oba Femi
Cena’s retirement leaves a notable gap in WWE’s landscape, particularly for rising stars like Oba Femi who were eager to share the ring with him. Femi’s hopes to be Cena’s final opponent highlight the respect and admiration newer wrestlers have for the veteran superstar. Looking ahead, WWE is poised to focus on building new talents within their ranks, with Femi positioned as a key figure on SmackDown. The departure of a legend like Cena may also inspire fresh narratives and rivalries, shaping the company’s direction in the coming years.
