An iconic chapter in professional wrestling is nearing its final page. After more than 20 years of electrifying fans around the world, John Cena is preparing to take his final bow inside the WWE ring. The legendary performer’s farewell match is officially scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, and will headline a special edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, streaming exclusively on Peacock, as confirmed by NBC.
The End of an Era
The announcement answers months of speculation following Cena’s 2024 revelation that 2025 would mark his final year as an in-ring competitor. With fans across the globe wondering when and where the farewell would happen, the pieces of the puzzle are finally falling into place — and it’s shaping up to be a monumental sendoff.
For more than two decades, John Cena has been one of WWE’s most influential figures. From his debut in 2002 to becoming a 17-time world champion, Cena’s journey has been defined by perseverance, charisma, and unmatched work ethic. He not only carried the company through the post-Attitude Era years but also transcended wrestling, becoming a blockbuster Hollywood star, philanthropist, and cultural icon. Whether you admire his legendary “Never Give Up” spirit or his frequent Make-A-Wish contributions — Cena’s impact stretches far beyond the squared circle.
A Retirement Tour Full of Twists
Cena’s 2025 retirement tour has been anything but conventional. He shocked fans earlier this year by returning to WWE as a heel — his first full-fledged villainous run in over a decade. The unexpected turn of character reignited Cena’s competitive edge and propelled him straight back into the title scene.
At WrestleMania 41 in April, he defeated Cody Rhodes to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship, a victory that marked a dramatic high point in his final campaign. However, his reign was brief — Rhodes reclaimed the title shortly after, sparking a complex storyline shift that led Cena back into familiar territory as a babyface (hero). The transition wasn’t entirely clear, with rapper Travis Scott reportedly involved in some on-screen chaos that blurred the lines of Cena’s character arc. Nonetheless, Cena now stands as the beloved hero once again as he nears the end.
Up next on his journey is a highly anticipated match against Logan Paul at WWE Clash in Paris, one of WWE’s biggest international events of the year. But while Paris will be a spectacle, it’s the December 13 date that fans and insiders alike are eagerly anticipating.
Saturday Night’s Main Event: Cena’s Grand Finale
As part of a newly extended streaming partnership between WWE and NBC, two editions of Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) are slated for the final months of 2025 — in November and December. Cena’s last match will headline the December show, positioned as a massive sendoff and celebration of his storied career.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella described the momentous event, saying:
> “Peacock has had a wonderful relationship with WWE and we’re excited to see it continue far into the future. Saturday Night’s Main Event is some of the most premium content the WWE produces, including John Cena’s upcoming retirement match.”
While the event’s location hasn’t yet been revealed, strong rumors suggest Boston, Massachusetts — Cena’s hometown — is the frontrunner. WWE reportedly debated between two potential dates: December 13 and December 27. Opting for the earlier date avoids a direct clash with AEW’s Worlds End event and allows WWE to give Cena the spotlight without industry rivalry interference.
Who Will Be Cena’s Final Opponent?
Perhaps the biggest question remaining is who will have the honor — and challenge — of facing Cena in his final match. Will it be a rematch with Cody Rhodes? A long-awaited showdown with long-time rival Randy Orton? Or could WWE use this moment to pass the torch to a rising star like Bron Breakker?
No matter who steps into the ring with him, Cena’s final match promises to be more than just a wrestling bout — it will be a historic celebration of one of the most significant careers in WWE history. The energy, emotion, and spectacle of the night will be a tribute to the man who carried the company through multiple eras and left an indelible mark on sports entertainment.
Mark Your Calendars
Whether you’ve followed John Cena from his “Doctor of Thuganomics” days to his Hollywood transformation, or simply respected his contributions from afar, December 13, 2025, will be a must-watch moment. It’s not just the end of a career — it’s the end of an era.
So get ready. The countdown to Cena’s final match has officially begun. One last time… You can’t see him — but you won’t want to miss him.