World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star and Hollywood actor John Cena retired from wrestling on Saturday, tapping out to Gunther during the last stop of his retirement tour.
Cena’s illustrious career came to a close when his last-ever opponent locked him in one of many ‘sleeper holds’ during the match, which was held during Saturday Night’s Main Event at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.
As Gunther tried to squeeze the life out of his opponent, the raucous crowd all chanted “Don’t give up!”, referencing Cena’s never-give-up attitude.
Cena tried to rally off the audience’s energy, but a persistent Gunther further weakened his foe with elbows to the neck and locked him in another sleeper hold.
The Austrian powerhouse was too much for Cena, who tapped out with a smile on his face – a visual that went viral on social media.
“John Cena has tapped out,” commentator Michael Cole announced as Gunther’s music played.
The crowd went silent as people of different ages were in disbelief that their hero, whose whole character and story centred around never giving up, tapped out.
“Ladies and gentlemen, professional wrestling destroyed sports entertainment,” Cole continued.
“19,000 fans are in shock. It’s been over 20 years since that man [Cena] has tapped out. This is not the way that anyone wanted this legendary career to end.”
Celebration amongst the disappointment
As Gunther exited the arena and the focus returned to Cena, fans aired their disappointment, chanting “Bullsh*t!”
They also made their voices known to WWE chief operating officer Triple H, directing expletives at him as he walked over to the arena flanked by wrestlers both past and present.
Wrestlers who Cena had faced before and others who had cheered him on when they were little flooded ringside as a video package played in tribute to the ‘Never Seen 17’.
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk accompanied Cena in the ring and handed their championships to him.
As Cena raised both belts, the crowd became gracious to the ‘Last Real Champion’, chanting “Thank you, Cena!”
Cena then removed his iconic wrist bands and sneakers, leaving them in the middle of the ring.
As he was about to take his exit, he looked at the crowd and camera one last time, giving one last bow and salute to cap off his career.
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Gunther revels in glory
In the latest episode of Raw, Gunther explained to the crowd that he simply did what he promised to do.
“I made John Cena give up! And when he gave up, he tapped out like a little b*tch,” a smiling Gunther continued as the crowd rained boos down on the Austrian.
The former world heavyweight champion, who seemed to enjoy provoking those in attendance, kept on posing and celebrating his victory.
“It is my time now. I will forever be the man who made John Cena give up!” he shouted.
Previously, in July, Gunther was also involved with WWE hall-of-famer Goldberg’s retirement.
The two clashed in a championship bout which Goldberg lost, and the 58-year-old announced his retirement immediately after.
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Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling