Sports
John Cena retires from WWE after 24-year career
WWE legend John Cena has retired from professional wrestling, bringing the curtain down on a 24-year in-ring career after his final match at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
Cena bowed out at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced Gunther in his farewell bout.
The 48-year-old was defeated after being forced to submit to a sleeper hold in a contest that lasted just under 25 minutes, ending one of the most decorated careers in WWE history.
Fans inside the arena watched in disbelief as Gunther relentlessly kept Cena locked in the hold during the closing moments of the match, despite loud chants urging the veteran to fight on.
When Cena eventually tapped out, some supporters were seen in tears.
The ending stunned fans, as Cena, long known for never tapping out during his career, was forced to submit for the first time, finally giving in to Gunther’s sleeper hold.
After the bell rang, wrestlers from the WWE locker room emerged to honour him.
Cena then left his wristbands and boots in the ring — a traditional sign of retirement — before walking up the entrance ramp, turning back and offering a final salute to the crowd and cameras.
Cena retires as a 17-time world champion, the most title reigns recognised by WWE.
He also headlined WrestleMania on six occasions and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
His trademark “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase became one of the most recognisable slogans in sports entertainment.
He debuted in WWE in 2002, losing to Kurt Angle, and initially struggled to establish himself as a singles star.
His career turned around after he adopted the “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, a character known for freestyle rap promos, which quickly made him a fan favourite.
Beyond wrestling, Cena successfully crossed over into Hollywood, becoming one of the few WWE stars to enjoy sustained success as a film actor.
Cena had announced at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event on July 6, 2024, that he would retire from in-ring competition at the end of 2025.
His retirement tour officially began at the Royal Rumble in January, where he was eliminated by Jey Uso.
He later shocked fans by turning heel — a villain persona — for the first time since 2003 at Elimination Chamber on March 1.
Cena went on to win his record-breaking 17th world title by defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania in April, before dropping both the title and the villainous persona to Rhodes at SummerSlam in August.
A tournament was subsequently organised to determine Cena’s final opponent, with Gunther emerging winner and earning the right to face him at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Speaking after the event, current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes struggled to hold back his emotions as he reflected on Cena’s impact.
”“It’s just still like, when it’s that good you don’t want it to end and I know that’s vague but he did everything by the book and taught so many people and set such a high standard, such a high bar,” Rhodes said.
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, have commended the Super Eagles for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite their semi-final defeat to Morocco.
Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to the host nation after a goalless draw over regulation time and extra time on Wednesday, ending the Super Eagles’ bid for a place in the final.
Reacting via his X handle on Thursday, Obi praised the players for their resilience and commitment, urging them to remain focused ahead of the third-place match.
“Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was a battle well fought, and heads were not bowed.
“Thank you for a beautiful 120 minutes of incredible play. You showed your strength and prowess against all odds.
“The journey is not over. You have made the nation proud. Keep your heads high, the Eagle never stops soaring. There is another stage, let’s go get that medal. You have done well,” Obi wrote.
Also reacting on Facebook on Wednesday, Omokri said the Super Eagles deserved praise for their effort against a formidable host side.
“It was not for want of trying that the Super Eagles lost to Morocco. I am super proud of their effort today, as all Nigerians should be. Great teamwork,” he wrote.
Omokri added that the circumstances of the match made the performance even more commendable.
“It is worth stating that they played against a home squad that has never lost a home game in sixteen years. Yet, with all that pressure, they still gave it their best measure. Well done, Super Eagles!” he said.
Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in the tournament’s third-place match on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Senegal, who earlier defeated Egypt 1–0 in their semifinal on Wednesday, will meet Morocco in Sunday’s final for the AFCON 2025 crown.
Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban for alleged misconduct during the team’s 2-0 defeat by hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations last Friday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said in a statement.
Eto’o was reportedly seen making an angry gesture over refereeing decisions in the presence of CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Players from both sides also jostled each other, and CAF said on Sunday it had opened investigations into violent confrontations during AFCON matches.
CAF’s disciplinary board fined Eto’o $20 000, a decision FECAFOOT said “lacks any explicit justification”.
“The expedited procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental requirements of a fair process,” FECAFOOT said on Thursday, adding it would appeal.
“FECAFOOT reaffirms its support for its president and its commitment to respecting the principles governing credible disciplinary justice,” it added.
Hosts Morocco will play Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero with two saves in the shoot-out as hosts Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to set up an Africa Cup of Nations final showdown this weekend with Senegal after a tense last-four clash on Wednesday finished 0-0 at the end of extra time.
Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and brilliantly from Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
There was joy but also relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
He was the only Moroccan player to fail to score in the shoot-out, however, with captain and talisman Achraf Hakimi among those who converted their penalties.
Morocco will now play Senegal on Sunday after the Lions of Teranga defeated Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final earlier thanks to a Sadio Mane goal.
That will be a clash between the top two African sides in the FIFA world rankings and a fitting showpiece for the tournament.
Walid Regragui’s Morocco have been under enormous pressure to deliver a first AFCON title for their country in half a century but will be confident of coming out on top with their support behind them at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
But as their dream remains alive it is an agonising way for Nigeria’s hopes to end, two years they lost the final to the hosts in Ivory Coast.
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