John Cena: A Legacy Beyond Wrestling as He Faces Final Match

Sat Dec 13 2025 18:00:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As John Cena gears up for his final match in the WWE, we reflect on his illustrious career, exploring not just his accomplishments in the ring but also his significant impact outside of it.

John Cena is set to retire from professional wrestling after an illustrious career spanning over 20 years. As he prepares for his last fight, Cena's legacy as one of WWE's biggest stars is not only defined by his numerous titles but also by his heartfelt contributions to charity and pop culture, particularly through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Fans and experts reflect on his evolution, charisma, and the influence he has had on wrestling and beyond.

The Last Time Is Now. It's the name given to the tournament in which 16 wrestling giants have been competing to be the one opponent in John Cena's final fight before retirement.

And that final fight is now - Saturday night - in Washington DC, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career that has seen the American become one of wrestling's biggest and most bankable stars.

In the 8,570 days since his debut, Cena has clinched 17 world titles and coined the iconic You Can't See Me catchphrase - but the 48-year-old's impact goes far beyond that.

If you were to pose the question who is John Cena?, depending on who you ask, the answers might vary from legendary WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) superstar, to successful film actor, while some will say he's Mr Make-A-Wish (more on that later).

Since his 2002 debut, there's been an evolution in his own wrestling character - transitioning from ruthless aggression rookie, to a Doctor of Thuganomics rapper, and eventually a heroic character known for a Never Give Up attitude.

Despite criticism from some fans of his in-ring ability, with occasional chants of you can't wrestle through the years, there's no doubt that he's an exceptional wrestling talent, says Brandon Thurston, editor and owner of wrestling website, Wrestlenomics.

Having achieved so much within wrestling, Cena could just come in and be a wrestler and walk out, adds Dr Gillian Brooks, associate professor in marketing at King's Business School, but instead he says he built a personal brand that comes across as real.

Cena's contributions beyond wrestling include working with brands like Neutrogena, granting over 650 wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and authoring a children's book, symbolizing his multifaceted career and authenticity.

As Cena embarks on his retirement run, he leaves behind a legacy that transcends the ring while still thrilling fans worldwide. Regardless of the outcome of his last fight against Gunther, John Cena's impact is undeniably profound, ensuring that You Can't See Me resonates beyond his wrestling career.