WWE legend John Cena is bidding farewell to his career as a professional wrestler.

The superstar was seen taking part in his last performance in the ring at the main event on Saturday night in Washington, DC. This is where the 17-time world champion, who first debuted in 2002, faced a shocking defeat that left all stunned as he chose to tap out in a sleeper hold position for the first time in more than 20 years.

Many called his end-of-the-era performance very controversial and emotional. Most fans hoped Cena would end with a victory, and that’s how they hoped to record his last picture.

But the surprising twist saw Cena performing a classic retirement gesture, leaving his shoes, wristbands, and armband in the ring and delivering a final salute to the crowd. Sharing more on the matter, he also rolled out a final farewell statement that left a lot stunned in the arena. “Why would he tap out, instead of being pinned or scoring a win, marking an iconic end for a career that’s built around his famous ‘Never Give Up’ motto.

After it was over, Cena was seen carrying out the classic retirement gesture, leaving his shoes and other accessories inside the ring and delivering a final salute to the crowd.