Dec. 12 (UPI) -- John Cena, the record-breaking 17-time WWE world heavyweight champion, will be having his final match against Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13, 2025. After the event, Cena has promised fans that they will never see him compete inside the squared circle ever again. Here's a look back at Cena's greatest matches while competing in WWE, from his memorable debut in 2002 to now.
5. John Cena vs. Kurt Angle at SmackDown on June 27, 2002
This is John Cena's debut match in WWE, and while it's not the most technically impressive bout or Cena's best performance, it remains one of the most memorable debuts in wrestling history.
Angle, a real-life Olympic gold medalist and a WWE Hall of Famer, held an open challenge on this particular episode of SmackDown that was answered by a young and fresh Cena. The wrestler turned Hollywood star confidently marched down to the ring wearing red and black trunks to generic rock music in order to accept Angle's challenge.
The moment that will be replayed by WWE for years to come featured Cena staring Angle down as he was asked why he thought he had a chance against the gold medalist.
