On December 13, 2025, John Cena's long-anticipated retirement match took place during WWE's Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. Following an intense and lengthy match against Gunther, Cena was ultimately forced to tap out, concluding his wrestling career. The decision to have Cena lose sparked overwhelming disapproval from the crowd, which culminated in chaotic scenes as they booed loudly and chanted against the outcome. Although Cena attempted to address the situation and calm the fans, the negative reactions persisted, especially towards WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H, who faced hostile chants while trying to present a tribute video celebrating Cena's career. Officials within WWE were reportedly caught off guard by the hostile response from the audience, indicating that the decision to have Cena lose was not universally supported within the organization. The backlash seemed to stem from Cena's legacy built on the principle of 'Never Give Up,' leading some fans to feel betrayed by his loss. Despite the uproar, some WWE insiders pointed out that the vitriol aimed at Gunther might actually serve to solidify his position as a top villain moving forward, suggesting that the decision could still yield long-term benefits for WWE storylines.