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WATCH: John Cena bids farewell to wrestling after emotional defeat

WASHINGTON: The 17-time WWE world champion John Cena bid an emotional farewell to in-ring competition after suffering a defeat to Gunther on Saturday here at the Capital One Arena.

At Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cena ended on the losing side to former two-time WWE heavyweight champion Gunther, bringing curtains to an illustrious 23-year career.

The farewell night featured numerous celebrities and wrestling icons, including Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Trish Stratus, Eve Torres, and others, who were shown seated ringside.

Moreover, the video tributes aired featured legends such as The Undertaker and The Rock, alongside sports stars including Tom Brady and Jalen Brunson.

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Gunther entered the ring first, followed by a thunderous ovation for Cena; however, the familiar “Cena sucks” chant was absent, replaced entirely by supportive cheers.

The 48-year-old Cena entered the wrestling arena with a camera to film himself before sprinting to the ring and greeting the legends seated at ringside.

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Nonetheless, the match saw ups and downs, with Cena delivering three Attitude Adjustments, including a dramatic top-rope version. The ace wrestler even put Gunther through the announce table.

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However, despite multiple attempts, John Cena was unable to secure a pinfall victory.

Eventually, Gutnerh emerged victorious at the end of the historical match, forcing Cena to submit to a sleeper hold after multiple escape attempts.

After the match, Cena, on this occasion, addressed the crowd, stating, “That’s all I’ve got”.

After this, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes joined Cena and placed their championship belts on his shoulders. As the crowd chanted, “Thank you, Cena”, he shared an embrace with Triple H before one final tribute video was shown.

Cena then made his way back to the entrance ramp, saluting the crowd, and exited the arena for one final time.

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John Cena set for new role after retirement

The 17-time WWE world champion John Cena on Tuesday announced a new five-year deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

The star wrestler who made his debut in 2002 will bid farewell to in-ring competition on December 13, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he will take on Gunther.

Gunther booked his place in Cena’s retirement bout by defeating LA Knight in the final of “The Last Time is Now” tournament on the December 5 episode of SmackDown.

In the tournament final, Gunther and LA Knight delivered a contest worthy of its high stakes, fighting with the urgency of a championship bout.

Now, Cena has revealed his post-retirement plans during a recent interview, stating that he will serve as an ambassador for WWE.

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“I will be an ambassador [for] the WWE. I’m already signed on for another five years,” he revealed.

“I was like, ‘Please, as long as you can do it.’ I would like to be in this family as an employee, as a contributing part for as long as I can,” he added,

The 48-year-old also talked about the nature of his upcoming assignment, noting that the role will attract more people to watch wrestling.

“I’m looking forward to the second mountain of being an ambassador because maybe ambassadorship comes with letting more people know to watch this, which was my goal in the first place,” Cena explained.

For the unversed, John Cena’s fight this Saturday will mark the final chapter of a storied two-decade career, one filled with championships, era-defining rivalries, and unmatched longevity at the top.

Whether he chooses to go out with a classic victory or puts Gunther over on his way out, the match is set to be an emotional farewell.

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WATCH: CM Punk defeats Jey Uso to become World Heavyweight Champion

SALT LAKE: In a night packed with drama and redemption, CM Punk knocked out Jey Uso in Saturday Night’s Main Event here at the Delta Center to become the seventh-time WWE World Champion.

Punk successfully regained the Championship after defeating Uso and held it for more than five minutes.

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Earlier, Rollins was set to compete; however, he vacated the title because of injury. Punk came in the match on the back of winning the triple threat match, while Uso secured a victory in a battle royal to earn the spot in a bid to win the championship title.

The match remained competitive throughout, with Punk hitting his final Go to Sleep move, pinning Uso to win the title.

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Following a slow start, the game ended with a powerful finish. In the second half, there were numerous close calls, with both wrestlers utilizing their final moves. Eventually, Punk smashed several GTS finishers and pinned down his opponent.

After the match, CM Punk celebrated in style with Jey Uso looking on, experiencing the sting of defeat yet again.

Post-match, Punk celebrated with the pyro going off, while Uso was forced to watch on, feeling the agony of defeat yet again.

With this win, CM Punk is now a seven-time WWE World Champion and a ten-time World Champion overall in his career.

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John Cena quashes WWE retirement U-turn, confirms retirement date

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star John Cena has quashed the speculation surrounding his retirement, reiterating that he will make his final appearance in the ring at the end of this year.

WWE has confirmed that Cena’s final match will take place in Washington DC on Saturday, December 13.

Earlier, the veteran player had announced during the last summer that 2025 would be his final year in the ring.

However, in September, WWE Hall of Fame Bubba Ray Dudley remarked that John Cena should extend his retirement tour to WrestleMania 42.

With speculations growing about his retirement, Cena took to social media and confirmed his final appearance date, dashing the hopes of extending his WWE career.

“Despite any speculation or rumors, on July 6, 2024, I announced I would retire from WWE in-ring participation,” he wrote.

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“I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match. I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time,” he said.

Meanwhile, WWE has not confirmed the 17-time champion opponent in the final match; however, reports suggest he could potentially face two-time world champion Gunther.

For the unversed, John Cena has four dates remaining before he calls time on his in-ring career.

The 48-year-old’s next appearance will be on the November 10 episode of Raw in Boston, followed by a match on the November 17 edition of Raw, and again at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29.

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WATCH: Becky Lynch slaps CM Punk on WWE RAW

PARIS: The ongoing feud between CM Punk and Seth Rollins took a dramatic twist on Monday night RAW at Paris La Défense Arena, where Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch slapped Punk during a fiery in-ring exchange.

The tension first boiled over a night earlier at Clash in Paris, when Lynch intervened to help her husband Rollins retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Punk.

On Raw, Punk called out Rollins, but instead, Lynch emerged to confront him, declaring that the matter was personal and tied to her family.

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She defended her husband’s legacy, insisting that Rollins had sacrificed more for the business than Punk could ever understand.

Punk didn’t hold back either, branding Rollins a coward and telling Lynch she was “more than just somebody’s wife,” before mocking her choice of partner.

The verbal battle escalated until Rollins appeared on the entrance ramp, daring Punk to say it to his face.

As CM Punk prepared to leave the ring, Becky Lynch stepped in his way and stunned him with a hard slap, drawing loud “AJ Lee” chants from the crowd, a nod to Punk’s wife and former WWE star.

Lynch quickly silenced the chants, reminding fans that AJ is no longer part of WWE.

The segment ended with Punk issuing a warning that both Rollins and Lynch would come to regret crossing him.

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John Cena set to retire from WWE on THIS date

The official retirement date for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE )’s star John Cena has been announced, with the 17-time World Champion set to enter the ring for his final fight at the end of this year.

WWE has confirmed that John Cena will enter the ring for one last time on December 13, 2025, during a special edition of Saturday Night’s main event.

The veteran player had announced during the last summer that 2025 would be his final year in the ring.

This came after a new multi-year agreement between WWE and NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, a new broadcaster of Saturday Night’s main event.

The Peacock will broadcast Saturday Night’s main event four times a year, with the next two specials scheduled for November 1 and December 13.

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Following the deal, NBC Sports president Rick Cordella shared his thoughts on the deal with WWE.

“Peacock has had a wonderful relationship with WWE, and we’re excited to see it continue far into the future,” said Cordella.

“Saturday Night’s Main Event is some of the most premium content WWE produces, including John Cena’s upcoming retirement match, and it will be all live and exclusive on Peacock,” he added.

Boston’s TD Garden is reportedly the leading venue to host the farewell match of John Cena, as it is located in his home state of Massachusetts.

As John Cena retirement looms, he has just a few dates left on his farewell tour.

The 48-year-old’s next premium live event match is scheduled for August 31 in Paris, where he will face Logan Paul.

After that, John Cena is expected to headline the inaugural Wrestle Palooza event on September 20 against the returning Brock Lesnar.

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WWE issues statement on passing of Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on Thursday released a statement following the passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who died at the age of 71.

Hulk Hogan, who is widely regarded as one of the biggest stars in WWE’s history, died of a cardiac arrest.

Rumors about Hogan’s health have been making headlines for weeks, following his reported hospitalization. However, a few weeks prior, his wife, Sky, had minimized the speculation that he was in a coma.

Hulk Hogan’s name emerged on the global stage during the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985. Since then, he has remained a central figure in wrestling for years.

In 1996, Hogan established the New World Order (NWO) and adopted the persona of Hollywood Hulk Hogan. In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame; however, his status was removed soon after a controversy.

After his passing from cardiac arrest, the wrestling federation mourned the loss of this iconic figure.

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“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the statement said.

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” it added.

For the unversed, throughout his career, Hogan secured at least six World Wrestling Entertainment championship titles and was honored with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

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Jey Uso eliminates John Cena to win Royal Rumble 2025

INDIANAPOLIS: WWE wrestler Jey Uso achieved his first-ever Royal Rumble victory by eliminating all-time wrestling great John Cena on Saturday.

The 16-time world Champion Cena and the former Intercontinental Champion Joshua Samuel Fatu (Jey Uso) were the final two contenders for the 30-man Royal Rumble match.

Uso entered the match at number 20 while Cena was the 23rd to enter the rumble ring.

During the rumble, the former wrestling champion was on the cusp of victory after hurling Uso over the ropes, but Jey Uso somehow held on and narrowly avoided elimination.

The two WWE wrestlers were involved in an intense fight which led to the exchanging of punches outside the ropes before Cena attempted his signature Attitude Adjustment.

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Uso, however, fought back and pushed Cena over the top rope to seal his first Royal Rumble triumph.

The main event which was held in Indianapolis, paved the way for WrestleMania 41, with Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair (Women’s Royal Rumble Match winner) emerging victorious in their respective Rumble matches.

Meanwhile, the match also saw some interesting entries, intense action and surprise eliminations.

The first two Royal Rumble entries were off Rey Mysterio and Penta, who kicked off the match with a fast-paced sequence.

Furthermore, the biggest surprise of the evening was when IShowSpeed, a YouTube sensation, entered the Rumble and briefly teamed up with Bron Breakker before losing.

The final three wrestlers in the ring were Jey Uso, John Cena, and Logan Paul before Uso emerged victorious in the dramatic final moments of a tense fight.

With the victories of Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair, they are now set for championship matches at WrestleMania 41 which will be held on 19 and 20 April this year.

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John Cena makes massive announcement to kick off farewell tour

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) legend John Cena kicked off his farewell tour on Monday and announced his entry into the upcoming Royal Rumble 2025.

Cena made his return on the WWE RAW’s historic debut show on Netflix in Los Angeles to a massive ovation.

“If you know anything about me, nothing’s impossible,” Cena declared passionately. “The only time we say ‘never’ around here is when we say, ‘Never give up.'”

“Los Angeles, I owe you a thank you. Because of you, I’m not just going to the Royal Rumble—I’m going to win the Royal Rumble. You want some? Come get some!”

The Royal Rumble 2025 is scheduled to take place on February 1 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Cena has expressed his aim to win the main event and headline WrestleMania.

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It’s worth noting that John Cena is currently tied with “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair a record — 16 world championships.

“As far as the 17th championship is concerned, it’s never going to happen,” Cena teased before correcting himself.

“Wait, hold on—this is the WWE, and here, you’re supposed to never say never. So let’s move ‘never’ away and say it would take a miracle. And maybe, just maybe, I can win the Royal Rumble,” he added.

For the unversed, in July last year, the iconic superstar made a surprise return at the Money in the Bank event, held in Toronto, Canada, where he announced that 2025 would be his final year as a full-time WWE wrestler.

John Cena, who debuted in WWE in 2002, will participate in all major events in 2025 as part of his farewell tour before concluding his historic career at the end of the year.

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Roman Reigns returns to WWE at SummerSlam 2024

CLEVELAND: The Head of the Table, Roman Reigns made his highly-anticipated return to WWE in the dying moments of SummerSlam 2024 during the Bloodline Rules match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa on Saturday.

Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship was on the line and Sikoa gave a tough time to the champion, thanks to the support from the ‘new’ Bloodline, featuring Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa.

However, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens helped Rhodes to even the odds against the Bloodline.

In the closing moments, Sikoa hit a top rope splash and covered Rhodes for the pinfall, however the fighting champion kicked out at two-count.

As both competitors lay sprawled in the ring and their allies scattered around the ringside, Roman Reigns’ music echoed through the speakers, inciting a thunderous reaction from the excited crowd in Cleveland.

Reigns made his entrance to a massive ovation from the crowd. He walked purposefully towards the ring, his gaze fixed on his cousin Solo Sikoa.

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Upon stepping into the ring, the two locked eyes, tension crackling in the air. Reigns hit Sikoa with a stunning Superman punch, before following up with a thunderous spear that echoed through the arena.

The Head of the Table looked to a shocked Cody Rhodes and gave him an acknowledging nod before exiting the ring.

Rhodes delivered a decisive blow to Sikoa with his signature move, the Cross Rhodes, and then went for the cover as he locked eyes with Reigns. The referee began the count, counting to three and declaring Rhodes the winner.

For the unversed, Rhodes defeated Reigns at Wrestlemania 40 earlier this year to end his historic 1316-day world title reign.

After his loss, Reigns disappeared from WWE television and Solo Sikoa stepped into the role of the Tribal Chief, taking over the leadership of the Bloodline.

Sikoa brought in Tama Tonga and ousted his own brother Jimmy Uso from the faction. Subsequently, Tama Tonga’s brother Tanga Loa and Sikoa’s cousin Jacob Fatu joined to complete the new lineup of the Bloodline.

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