The end of an era in professional wrestling is officially on the calendar. After over two decades of dominating the squared circle, John Cena’s legendary in-ring career will come to a close on Saturday, December 13, 2025. NBC has confirmed that Cena’s final match will take place during a special edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, which will stream live and exclusively on Peacock.
This announcement comes amid the growing anticipation surrounding Cena’s wrestling retirement tour. The 17-time WWE Champion first revealed in the summer of 2024 that 2025 would mark his final year in the ring. Since then, fans have been speculating when — and where — the WWE icon would wrestle his last match. Now, those questions are beginning to find answers.
A Storied Career Nears Its Final Chapter
John Cena has long been one of WWE’s most recognizable and beloved superstars. With a career spanning over 20 years, Cena has become a household name, not only for his incredible work inside the ring but also for his ventures in Hollywood, philanthropy, and media. His signature “Never Give Up” mantra and enduring presence have made him a symbol of resilience and charisma in sports entertainment.
His retirement tour has taken a dramatic turn in recent months. After returning to action in early 2025 with a surprising heel turn — playing the villain for the first time in over a decade — Cena re-entered the title picture and defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania in April to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, that reign was short-lived. Cena dropped the title back to Rhodes, and soon after, a face turn followed — albeit under somewhat murky circumstances involving rapper Travis Scott.
Despite the unclear narrative, Cena is now firmly positioned as a babyface (good guy) heading into the final stretch of his career. His next confirmed bout is against Logan Paul at WWE Clash in Paris, another major international event. But it’s the December 13 date that fans have now circled on their calendars.
The Final Match: Saturday Night’s Main Event Returns
NBC and WWE recently announced a multi-year extension of their streaming partnership, with Saturday Night’s Main Event at the heart of the deal. As part of this renewed collaboration, two SNME events are scheduled for the remainder of 2025 — one in November and another in December.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella commented on the partnership, 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, and it will be all live and exclusive on Peacock.”
While the December 13 date is now set, the location of Cena’s final match remains under wraps. However, there are strong rumors that WWE is eyeing Boston, Massachusetts — Cena’s hometown — as the ideal venue to give the 47-year-old legend a proper sendoff. WWE reportedly considered two dates for the retirement bout: December 13 and December 27. The latter would have put WWE in direct competition with AEW’s “Worlds End” event, making the earlier date the more strategic and respectful choice.
What’s Next?
With just a few matches left before the curtain closes, speculation will naturally turn to who Cena will face in his final match. Could it be a rematch with Cody Rhodes? A dream match with Randy Orton? Or perhaps a symbolic passing of the torch to a rising star like Bron Breakker?
Regardless of the opponent, Cena’s final match promises to be an emotional and historic night for wrestling fans around the world. Whether you’ve cheered him or booed him over the years, there’s no denying John Cena’s impact on WWE and sports entertainment as a whole.
The countdown has begun. December 13, 2025 the day John Cena officially hangs up the jorts.