Washington DC [US], December 14 (ANI): The global professional wrestling fraternity, including current and former WWE superstars, legends and fans, paid glowing tributes to John Cena as the iconic wrestler officially brought the curtain down on his illustrious in-ring career spanning more than two decades.

Cena, a record-breaking 17-time world champion, competed in his final professional wrestling match at Saturday Night's Main Event (SNME) on Sunday, where he suffered a submission loss to World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. The bout marked the end of one of the most decorated careers in WWE history.

Following the match, current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who had a Champion versus Champion bout against WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi on SNME, delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting Cena's enduring impact on professional wrestling.

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WWE also posted a heartwarming video package featuring Cena's parents talking about his legacy as a wrestler and person, and fellow wrestlers The Miz, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, WWE CCO and former wrestler Triple H, wrestling icon The Undertaker, and Becky Lynch reflecting on his work ethic and contributions to the sport.

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Before the match, WWE icon and Hollywood actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson posted a tribute on X, praising Cena's humility and character.

'John, you epitomize one of my favorite quotes, 'it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice'. Congratulations on your historic and extraordinary @wwe career, my friend. Have fun, tear it down, and as always, 'thank you for the house'

Ex-WWE champion Mick Foley, also known as 'The Hardcore Legend' for his brutal, highly intense, no-holds-barred wrestling matches, also posted on Instagram, saying that it was an honour watching Cena in action one last time.

'I SAW JOHN CENA....It was an honour,' posted Foley on Instagram.