Quick Read
- John Cena’s final WWE match is on December 13, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET.
- The event takes place at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C., and airs live on Peacock.
- Cena faces Gunther, who earned the right to retire him after winning a major tournament.
- The match card includes Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Femi and other high-profile bouts.
- Gunther previously retired Goldberg earlier in 2025.
John Cena’s Final WWE Match: Everything You Need to Know
For more than two decades, John Cena’s name has been synonymous with WWE’s biggest moments. Now, on December 13, 2025, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Cena will step into the ring for the last time, closing a legendary chapter in sports entertainment. The anticipation has been building for months, and fans around the world are preparing to witness the end of an era.
When and Where Is Cena’s Last Match?
According to CBSSports.com, John Cena’s final match will headline WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025. The show starts at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, live from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on Peacock, ensuring fans everywhere can be part of the moment.
Why This Match Matters: The Road to Retirement
This isn’t just another wrestling match—it’s the culmination of John Cena’s storied career. His final opponent, Gunther, earned the right to face Cena in a retirement match after winning the grueling ‘Last Time is Now’ Tournament. This 16-man contest featured top stars from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even surprise guests from Cena’s past, underscoring the gravity of the occasion. Gunther’s rise has been meteoric; earlier in the year, he retired another legend, Goldberg, in Atlanta. Now, he stands poised to close the book on Cena’s in-ring journey.
Cena’s path to retirement has been dramatic. He began 2025 with a heartbreaking loss at the Royal Rumble, coming up short against Jey Uso. Then came one of the year’s most controversial moments: at Elimination Chamber, Cena turned heel, aligning with The Rock and Travis Scott to ambush Cody Rhodes. That alliance paved the way for Cena’s historic WrestleMania victory over Rhodes, granting him his record-breaking 17th recognized championship—an achievement that will echo through WWE history.
But Cena’s story didn’t end there. He soon reversed his heel turn and took on Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, a clash between two of WWE’s biggest icons. Throughout the year, Cena also revisited old rivalries, including throwback matches with CM Punk and AJ Styles, proving that even in his final year, he remained a magnet for marquee moments.
The Match Card: What Else Is Happening?
While Cena vs. Gunther is the headline bout, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event features a stacked card. Notably, undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes will face NXT champion Oba Femi, pitting two dominant forces against each other. Raw tag team champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee are set to battle Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater. And in the women’s division, former champion Bayley takes on the rising star Sol Ruca. These matches are expected to deliver high-octane action and memorable moments for fans tuning in.
How to Watch John Cena’s Final Match
If you want to witness history, the event airs live on Peacock starting at 8 p.m. ET. For fans outside the United States, check local listings or WWE’s official platforms for broadcast details. The significance of this match means it’s likely to be covered in highlight reels and retrospectives for years to come.
Legacy and What Comes Next
John Cena’s legacy is secure. From his early days as the Doctor of Thuganomics to his reigns as WWE champion and crossover appeal in Hollywood, Cena’s journey has been marked by resilience, reinvention, and relentless drive. His final match against Gunther isn’t just about the result—it’s about the spectacle, the memories, and the respect he commands from fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
As the bell rings for the last time, the wrestling world will watch not just the end of Cena’s career, but the passing of the torch to a new generation. Will Gunther cement his place as a legend by retiring one of the greatest? Or will Cena find one last surge of strength and surprise everyone? That’s the drama that makes this event unmissable.
Why Fans Are Calling This the End of an Era
For millions, Cena’s final match is more than a sporting event; it’s a collective moment of nostalgia and appreciation. Whether you cheered for him or against him, Cena’s presence has shaped WWE’s modern era. His journey—marked by record-breaking wins, controversial turns, and unforgettable rivalries—reflects the highs and lows of a true sports entertainer. And as he bows out, fans, critics, and colleagues will be united in recognition of his impact.
John Cena’s last match, scheduled for December 13, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, is set to be a watershed moment for WWE. With Gunther as his opponent and a card full of marquee matches, this event is not just about endings—it’s about honoring a legacy built on passion, perseverance, and showmanship. As Cena steps out of the ring, the wrestling world will pause to salute a career that has inspired millions.