The WWE Universe is bracing itself for the departure of one of its most iconic figures. John Cena, a 17-time world champion and the face of WWE for over a decade, has officially announced the date for his final match. Cena's last dance in the squared circle will occur on December 13, 2025, at a special edition of Saturday Night's Main Event.
The announcement, made jointly by WWE and Peacock, marks the end of Cena's year-long farewell tour, which he himself declared would be his last as an in-ring performer. The event will stream live and exclusively on Peacock as part of a new multi-year deal between WWE and NBCUniversal. This agreement will see Saturday Night's Main Event air four times a year on the streaming service.
While the location of the event is yet to be officially confirmed, speculation is rife that it will emanate from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, close to Cena's hometown of West Newbury. A Boston send-off would be a fitting tribute to the man who has carried the WWE banner for so long.
Cena's farewell tour has been nothing short of eventful, filled with memorable moments that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. He shocked the world with a heel turn at Elimination Chamber, a stark contrast to his established persona. He then captured a record-breaking 17th world title at WrestleMania 41, solidifying his place at the top of WWE’s world. However, he would eventually drop the title to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. Further adding to the drama, Cena was victimized by a surprise return from Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, setting up a potential clash at WrestlePalooza on September 20.
Before his final match, Cena is scheduled for a high-profile encounter with Logan Paul at Clash in Paris on August 31. The match against Paul and the potential bout against Lesnar serve as a prelude to the grand finale, offering fans a glimpse of Cena's enduring star power.
The question on everyone's mind is: who will be the final opponent for the "Cenation Leader"? Names like Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, Gunther, Cody Rhodes, and even The Rock have been thrown into the mix. A match against Rollins could see Cena vying for an unprecedented 18th world title. Some have even suggested a final showdown with Cody Rhodes to conclude their feud.
Regardless of who stands across the ring from him, Cena's last match is expected to be a monumental event, drawing millions of viewers. Paul "Triple H" Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer, has emphasized the importance of the partnership with NBCU and Peacock, framing it as a continuation of a long and successful relationship.
John Cena's career began in 2002, and he quickly rose through the ranks, capturing his first world title at WrestleMania 21 in 2005. His "ruthless aggression" and connection with the WWE Universe propelled him to the top, where he remained for many years. Cena's influence extends beyond the ring, as he has also made a name for himself in Hollywood, starring in movies like The Marine and Bumblebee, and the TV series Peacemaker.
As Cena prepares to lace up his boots one last time, the WWE Universe is preparing to say goodbye to a legend. His final match marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for WWE. The December 13th Saturday Night's Main Event promises to be an unforgettable night, celebrating the career of a man who has given so much to the world of professional wrestling.
