When it comes to legendary competitors like John Cena, the phrase 'never give up' has been his rallying cry for years. But here's where it gets surprising—on a recent Saturday, Cena made a rare concession by tapping out to Gunther in what turned out to be his final match. This moment was not only significant because of the match itself but also because it marked the first time in over twenty years that Cena had submitted in a professional wrestling bout.
Most fans know Cena for his resilience and indomitable spirit, but even the most formidable fighters sometimes submit—whether due to injury, strategic decision, or overwhelming opponent. Below, let’s take a closer look at every instance in Cena’s career where he has chosen to tap out, illustrating that even the toughest competitors have their breaking points.
- WWE SmackDown (July 18, 2002): In his early days, Cena faced Chris Jericho, who applied the Walls of Jericho submission hold. Cena was forced to tap out after the hold was locked in, although the match concluded with a disqualification.
- WWE No Mercy 2003 (October 19, 2003): Kurt Angle used his signature Ankle Lock to make Cena submit during this intense encounter.
- WWE SmackDown (December 4, 2003): Another clash with Chris Benoit saw Cena submit to the Crippler Crossface, showcasing that even top-tier athletes can be vulnerable.
- WWE No Way Out 2004 (February 15, 2004): Once again, Kurt Angle’s mastery with the Ankle Lock led Cena to tap out, marking a notable chapter early in his career.
- WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event (December 13, 2025): Fast forward to recent history, Gunther managed to force Cena into submission with a sleeper hold, symbolizing the end of an era.
For those interested in a detailed analysis of Cena’s final match and the coverage surrounding it, Fightful has comprehensive reports available—check out their coverage of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event here (https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-results-12-13-2025-john-cenas-final-match-cody-rhodes-vs-oba-femi-more/). Plus, their post-show podcast provides an in-depth review that you won’t want to miss (https://youtu.be/C8RubocYW3c).
So, what do you think? Is there a deeper story behind Cena’s rare submissive moments, or does this reflect a natural part of a professional wrestler’s journey? Share your thoughts—does this change how you see his legendary career?
