'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
John Cena bid adieu to the world of professional wrestling last week. In his final match at Saturday Night's Main Event, Cena tapped out to mark the end of his legendary career. He competed in several grand matches during his farewell tour in WWE. While he managed to pick up some big wins, he faced defeats against top names in the company.
The Cenation Leader made 36 appearances in total and competed in all the major premium live events this year. He scored massive wins over Cody Rhodes, AJ Styles and Logan Paul. However, the WWE legend faced losses against names like Brock Lesnar and Dominik Mysterio. While these defeats drew controversy, they also raised the unpredictability of his final run.
Let's take a look at six WWE stars John Cena lost to in his Retirement Tour:
Trending
#6. Jey Uso at Royal Rumble
John Cena competed in the Men's Royal Rumble match this year, which was the final Rumble match in his WWE career. Heading into the bout, he was one of the favorites to win it. However, things did not turn out the way they should have. Cena went on to become one of the final two survivors in the high-stakes battle royal along with Jey Uso.
Why Orton didn't show up for Cena's match - Check details!
He eventually lost to The YEET Master, marking the first big setback in his retirement tour. When the two superstars were fighting at the apron to win the Men's Royal Rumble match, Main Event Jey outsmarted The Cenation Leader by pushing the veteran off the apron. It was a shocking moment for the WWE Universe as no one saw it coming.
#5. R-Truth on SmackDown
John Cena faced R-Truth in a one-on-one match on the June 20, 2025 episode of SmackDown. Well, this match came during his feud with CM Punk for Night of Champions. Truth was on a mission to defeat Cena and turn him back into a babyface. The two stars delivered an intense showdown in the main event of SmackDown, where The Never Seen 17 suffered a loss via DQ.
During the final sequence of the match, John Cena tried to escape with his Undisputed WWE Championship. However, R-Truth tried to get him back in the ring, but The Cenation Leader hit him with the title on the ramp. It led to the referee disqualifying Cena and declaring Truth the winner of the match. This defeat took place right before Cena's iconic pipebomb on CM Punk.
#4. Cody Rhodes at Money in the Bank & SummerSlam
Cody Rhodes faced The Franchise Player multiple times this year. The American Nightmare made his return at Saturday Night's Main Event in May. He and Jey Uso then went on to challenge John Cena and Logan Paul for a match at Money in the Bank. It was a tag team main event where The Prodigal Son pinned The Never Seen 17 after a little assistance from R-Truth.
Rhodes then faced Cena in a Street Fight at SummerSlam for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The two stars delivered a five-star classic showdown where The American Nightmare ultimately defeated The Last Real Champion to capture the coveted title. This is dubbed as one of the greatest matches in John Cena's entire Farewell Tour in WWE.
#3. Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza
Brock Lesnar battled John Cena at Wrestlepalooza this year. WWE advertised this match as the final chapter in the epic saga of the two icons. Therefore, fans had high expectations from this clash. Many expected it to be something similar to Cena vs. Lesnar at Extreme Rules 2012. However, it was nothing more than a squash match where The Beast annihilated the 48-year-old.
The Cenation Leader did not stand a chance anywhere in the match. Fans were surprised to see this showdown as Brock Lesnar dominated it entirely. After an underwhelming battle that lasted less than 10 minutes, he pinned John Cena to achieve his first win following his big comeback. This match is considered the worst match of Cena's retirement tour.
#2. Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series
John Cena defeated Dominik Mysterio to become the Intercontinental Champion on RAW in Boston. However, Mysterio asked for a rematch, which happened at this year's Survivor Series. The Franchise Player had the upper hand for the majority of this match, but there were ringside shenanigans from The Judgment Day throughout the bout.
During the final moments, Liv Morgan made her highly anticipated return and helped Dirty Dom win. In a shocking turn of events, The Miracle Kid hit Cena with a low blow, allowing Dominik Mysterio to hit his finisher on the veteran and reclaim his Intercontinental Championship. Following the match, The Franchise Player thanked the WWE Universe, showing gratitude to them.
#1. John Cena lost to Gunther in his final match
John Cena faced the winner of the Last Time Is Now tournament Gunther in what was his final match at Saturday Night's Main Event. WWE promoted this as a clash between a superstar who embodies sports entertainment and a wrestler who symbolizes pro wrestling. The Franchise Player delivered an incredible performance in a gripping match with The Ring General.
Despite giving his all, Cena failed to pick up the win. He tapped out to the former World Heavyweight Champion in the middle of the ring, giving the WWE Universe the biggest shock of this decade. Following the match, WWE paid a tribute to the 17-time World Champion as he hung up his boots and walked out of the arena with his head held high.
