WWE veteran John Cena will officially step into the ring for the last time later this year. NBC Sports announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20, that the John Cena final match will headline Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. The announcement marks the end of an era for one of professional wrestling’s most popular and decorated performers.
While Cena’s final WWE match has been scheduled, details about the venue and opponent remain under wraps. Speculation is rife that the bout will be staged in or around Boston, Massachusetts, given its proximity to Cena’s hometown of West Newbury.
WWE has not disclosed who Cena will face in his farewell contest, leaving fans and analysts to debate possible opponents. Rumours have included long-time rivals, returning legends, and even the possibility of a multi-opponent gauntlet-style match to close out his career.
The announcement of Cena’s final match came on the same day WWE confirmed a significant change in its broadcast strategy. Starting September 2025, the company’s premium live events will begin airing on ESPN platforms in the United States, beginning with the inaugural Wrestlepalooza on September 20, as per USA Today.
The shift comes three months earlier than originally scheduled. WWE had previously said ESPN coverage would commence in 2026.
For the past several years, WWE’s live events were available on NBCUniversal’s Peacock service. The final such event will be Clash in Paris on August 31. Following that, Saturday Night’s Main Event will move from NBC to Peacock under a multi-year deal.
Industry observers note that streaming on Peacock will allow for greater flexibility in presentation, fewer commercial breaks, and no strict broadcast end times — an issue that previously cut short Goldberg’s farewell speech on live television.
As of August 20, Cena has completed 25 of those appearances, leaving 11 more scheduled for the final months of his career. Of those, nine dates are confirmed, including appearances in Europe, the United States, and Australia. His December 13 match will mark the official conclusion of his in-ring journey.
Saturday Night’s Main Event has long been associated with WWE’s history, debuting in 1985 as a flagship television showcase. Cena’s final match being staged under this banner is viewed as symbolic. Officials believe it will attract millions of viewers both on NBC in primetime and via live streaming on Peacock.
In its press release, WWE described the December 13 broadcast as “a once-in-a-generation moment,” underlining the significance of Cena’s departure.
Meanwhile, ESPN will begin its exclusive coverage of WWE’s premium live events in September, with Wrestlepalooza as the first offering. Cena is scheduled to compete on the card against a yet-to-be-revealed opponent described by WWE as “a mystery opponent he has not faced in more than a decade.”
Industry speculation suggests Brock Lesnar, who returned at SummerSlam to attack Cena, could fill that role. Lesnar has not appeared on WWE programming since, but his involvement in Cena’s final stretch is widely expected.
Despite ESPN taking over live events, WWE content will remain partially available on Peacock. The WWE Network archive will continue until the end of 2025, while NXT premium live events will stay on the service until March 2026.
Among the scenarios being discussed is a gauntlet match format, which would see Cena face multiple opponents, revisiting old feuds and rivalries before bowing out. WWE has not confirmed such plans, but fan speculation continues to run high.
Over two decades, Cena has become one of the most decorated WWE superstars, winning multiple world championships and headlining marquee events. His retirement will mark the end of an era for the company, comparable to the exits of legends such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker.The confirmation of the John Cena final match has sent waves through the wrestling community. With his farewell bout scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, fans are preparing to say goodbye to one of WWE’s most enduring icons.
As the company undergoes a major broadcast transition with ESPN, Cena’s farewell is expected to serve both as a personal milestone and a symbolic bridge to WWE’s next chapter.
Whether against a long-time rival like Brock Lesnar, a younger star, or multiple adversaries, Cena’s final appearance in the ring will be remembered as a defining moment in professional wrestling history.
No. WWE has not yet confirmed the venue. However, speculation suggests it could be in or around Boston, Massachusetts, close to Cena’s hometown of West Newbury.
John Cena final match: Venue and Opponent Yet to Be Announced
While Cena’s final WWE match has been scheduled, details about the venue and opponent remain under wraps. Speculation is rife that the bout will be staged in or around Boston, Massachusetts, given its proximity to Cena’s hometown of West Newbury.WWE has not disclosed who Cena will face in his farewell contest, leaving fans and analysts to debate possible opponents. Rumours have included long-time rivals, returning legends, and even the possibility of a multi-opponent gauntlet-style match to close out his career.
John Cena final match: Major Reshuffle in WWE Broadcast Plans
The announcement of Cena’s final match came on the same day WWE confirmed a significant change in its broadcast strategy. Starting September 2025, the company’s premium live events will begin airing on ESPN platforms in the United States, beginning with the inaugural Wrestlepalooza on September 20, as per USA Today. The shift comes three months earlier than originally scheduled. WWE had previously said ESPN coverage would commence in 2026.
For the past several years, WWE’s live events were available on NBCUniversal’s Peacock service. The final such event will be Clash in Paris on August 31. Following that, Saturday Night’s Main Event will move from NBC to Peacock under a multi-year deal.
Industry observers note that streaming on Peacock will allow for greater flexibility in presentation, fewer commercial breaks, and no strict broadcast end times — an issue that previously cut short Goldberg’s farewell speech on live television.
John Cena final match: Cena’s Farewell Tour Nears Its End
Cena, a 17-time world champion and global ambassador for WWE, had earlier declared that 2025 would be his last year in the ring. His retirement tour has been marketed under the banner “The Last Time Is Now,” with the superstar committing to 36 appearances across the year.As of August 20, Cena has completed 25 of those appearances, leaving 11 more scheduled for the final months of his career. Of those, nine dates are confirmed, including appearances in Europe, the United States, and Australia. His December 13 match will mark the official conclusion of his in-ring journey.
John Cena’s Remaining WWE Appearances
According to WWE, Cena’s schedule leading up to his retirement match is as follows:- Aug. 22: SmackDown (Dublin, Ireland)
- Aug. 29: SmackDown (Lyon, France)
- Aug. 31: Clash in Paris (Paris, France) – vs. Logan Paul
- Sept. 5: SmackDown (Chicago, Illinois)
- Sept. 15: Raw (Lowell, Massachusetts)
- Sept. 20: Wrestlepalooza (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- Oct. 11: WWE Crown Jewel: Perth (Perth, Australia)
- Nov. 29: Survivor Series (San Diego, California)
- Dec. 13: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Retirement Match (Location TBD)
John Cena final match: A Once-in-a-Generation Farewell
Saturday Night’s Main Event has long been associated with WWE’s history, debuting in 1985 as a flagship television showcase. Cena’s final match being staged under this banner is viewed as symbolic. Officials believe it will attract millions of viewers both on NBC in primetime and via live streaming on Peacock.
In its press release, WWE described the December 13 broadcast as “a once-in-a-generation moment,” underlining the significance of Cena’s departure.
John Cena final match: Partnership with ESPN to Boost WWE Reach
Meanwhile, ESPN will begin its exclusive coverage of WWE’s premium live events in September, with Wrestlepalooza as the first offering. Cena is scheduled to compete on the card against a yet-to-be-revealed opponent described by WWE as “a mystery opponent he has not faced in more than a decade.”Industry speculation suggests Brock Lesnar, who returned at SummerSlam to attack Cena, could fill that role. Lesnar has not appeared on WWE programming since, but his involvement in Cena’s final stretch is widely expected.
Despite ESPN taking over live events, WWE content will remain partially available on Peacock. The WWE Network archive will continue until the end of 2025, while NXT premium live events will stay on the service until March 2026.
John Cena final match: Uncertainty Over Final Opponent
One of the biggest talking points remains the identity of Cena’s opponent on December 13. Some believe WWE may use the opportunity to elevate a younger star, while others anticipate a storied rival making a final return.Among the scenarios being discussed is a gauntlet match format, which would see Cena face multiple opponents, revisiting old feuds and rivalries before bowing out. WWE has not confirmed such plans, but fan speculation continues to run high.
Legacy of John Cena
John Cena, who debuted with WWE in 2002, quickly rose to become the face of the company during the mid-2000s. Known for his “Never Give Up” mantra, he combined in-ring success with crossover appeal, starring in films, television, and charitable initiatives.Over two decades, Cena has become one of the most decorated WWE superstars, winning multiple world championships and headlining marquee events. His retirement will mark the end of an era for the company, comparable to the exits of legends such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker.The confirmation of the John Cena final match has sent waves through the wrestling community. With his farewell bout scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, fans are preparing to say goodbye to one of WWE’s most enduring icons.
As the company undergoes a major broadcast transition with ESPN, Cena’s farewell is expected to serve both as a personal milestone and a symbolic bridge to WWE’s next chapter.
Whether against a long-time rival like Brock Lesnar, a younger star, or multiple adversaries, Cena’s final appearance in the ring will be remembered as a defining moment in professional wrestling history.
