John Cena isn’t just a wrestling legend — he’s an American pop‑culture icon. After more than two decades in the ring, WWE has officially confirmed Cena’s final match: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.
This blog post breaks down what we know so far, why this moment matters, and how to follow along — especially for fans across the U.S.
Key Details About John Cena’s Final Match
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Date & Venue
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Cena’s last in-ring bout is set for December 13, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
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The event is Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, also being billed as “John Cena’s Final Match.”
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Broadcast & Streaming
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The match will be streamed on Peacock, following WWE’s shift of Saturday Night’s Main Event to the platform.
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For U.S. viewers, this means you can catch the finale without leaving home — just make sure your Peacock subscription is active.
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Opponent: Decided by Tournament
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Cena’s final adversary will be determined via The “Last Time Is Now” Tournament, held across WWE’s Raw and SmackDown in the weeks leading up to December.
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The tournament format emphasizes that his “farewell” match isn’t just symbolic — the opponent has to earn the right to retire Cena in the ring.
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Retirement Announcement
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Cena publicly announced his retirement from in-ring competition on July 6, 2024, stating that 12/13/25 will be his final match.
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He emphasized the finality of this decision: “I am far from perfect … 12/13/25 will be my final match … I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me.”
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Why This Matters
John Cena’s legacy is vast — 17 world championships, countless headline matches, and nearly 26 years in WWE. This isn’t just a retirement; it's the closing chapter of one of pro wrestling’s most storied careers.
Announcements have come directly through WWE channels and Cena himself, bolstering credibility.
WWE is organizing the event transparently, promoting ticket sales, venue, and broadcast details well in advance. Plus, fan and media coverage is consistent across top-tier outlets.
For U.S. fans who grew up watching Cena — on RAW, Pay-Per-Views, or Saturday Night’s Main Event — this is deeply emotional. It’s a farewell to a hero, a motivator, and a symbol of resilience.
What to Expect in the Lead-Up
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November 10, 2025: A Raw episode where the tournament continues.
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November 17, 2025: Cena’s final WWE Raw, set for Madison Square Garden in New York City.
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December 13, 2025: The grand finale — Saturday Night’s Main Event in DC.
Additionally, WWE will likely feature other sentimental moments: highlight reels, tributes, and possibly appearances from Cena’s longtime rivals, making this more than just a match — it's a celebration.
Why Washington, D.C.?
Originally, fans speculated Cena’s farewell would take place near his Massachusetts roots. But WWE officially moved the venue to Washington, D.C., citing favorable logistics and strong support from the city.
It also gives the match national significance — the nation’s capital hosting one of wrestling’s most iconic exits.
How to Watch & Tune In
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Make sure your Peacock app is ready — the December 13 match will stream there.
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Follow WWE’s “Last Time Is Now” tournament on Raw and SmackDown to see who becomes Cena’s final opponent.
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If you're in the D.C. area: consider attending — it’s not just a match, but a historic farewell.
John Cena’s last match isn’t just about him leaving the ring — it’s about honoring a career that shaped modern WWE. For American fans, especially, this is more than wrestling: it’s a cultural touchstone. Whether you tune in from your couch or make the trip to D.C., you’re witnessing the final chapter of the “Never Give Up” era.