The Last Time Is Now. It's the name given to the tournament in which 16 wrestling giants have been competing to be the one opponent in John Cena's final fight before retirement.

And that final fight is now - Saturday night - in Washington DC, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career that has seen the American become one of wrestling's biggest and most bankable stars.

In the 8,570 days since his debut, Cena has clinched 17 world titles and coined the iconic You Can't See Me catchphrase - but the 48-year-old's impact goes far beyond that.

If you were to pose the question who is John Cena?, depending on who you ask, the answers might vary from legendary WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) superstar, to successful film actor, while some will say he's Mr Make-A-Wish (more on that later).

Since his 2002 debut, there's been an evolution in his own wrestling character - transitioning from ruthless aggression rookie, to a Doctor of Thuganomics rapper, and eventually a heroic character known for a Never Give Up attitude.

Despite criticism from some fans of his in-ring ability, with occasional chants of you can't wrestle through the years, there's no doubt that he's an exceptional wrestling talent, says Brandon Thurston, editor and owner of wrestling website, Wrestlenomics.

Over time, the respect for Cena has grown among fans for both his performance in the ring and his authenticity as an individual.

With The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin no longer full-time performers, WWE bosses were looking for a new star to emerge. Cena stepped up, proving to be reliable and marketable. His connection with fans and charitable work, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, highlights that his legacy will endure beyond wrestling.

As Cena's last match approaches, fans are reflecting on his achievements and the unique distinction of his retirement run. He may hang up his wrestling boots, but his impact will likely continue to resonate through the wrestling community and beyond.