Last month, we learned that 17-time World Champion John Cena’s final match will headline Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, December 13, at Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Tickets for the show sold out quickly, but there's been a lot of speculation about the Leader of the Cenation's final run being extended somehow. After all, it's been a hit-or-miss year for him with a so-so heel run and a lot of great matches clearly not happening at this point.
Addressing the reports that he won't really retire on social media, Cena said, "Despite any speculation or rumors, on July 6, 2024 I announced I would retire from WWE in ring participation. I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match."
"I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me," he continued. "I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time."
While Cena is mostly focused on his Hollywood career now, we'd imagine he'll still show up for the odd show now and again. It also seems highly likely that he'll be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, either in Las Vegas next year or, more likely, when WrestleMania heads to Saudi Arabia in 2027 (which he'd likely make a lot more money for).
WWE hasn't even announced who Cena's final opponent is going to be, though Dave Meltzer recently claimed that it will be former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.
Following a year-long farewell tour, with stops at WrestleMania 41 and SummerSlam along the way, Cena will bring his decorated career – highlighted by 17 World Championships, five U.S. Championship title reigns and two Royal Rumble victories – to an emphatic close live from the nation’s capital.
Cena only has four appearances left. Two episodes of RAW, Survivor Series: WarGames, and this farewell bout at Saturday Night's Main Event.