John Cena is scheduled to make his final WWE SmackDown appearance tonight at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, marking the end of his active in-ring career in Chicago. This event is part of Cena’s farewell tour, and it will be a significant moment for both the Superstar and WWE’s longstanding partnership with the iconic venue.
The Allstate Arena, which opened as the Rosemont Horizon in 1980, has played a crucial role in professional wrestling history, hosting WWE events since 1985. Over the decades, the arena has welcomed numerous major wrestling promotions including WCW, JCP, UFC, and Bellator, but WWE has been the dominant presence at this venue with a diverse range of live shows, televised events, and premium live experiences.
Celebrating Decades-Long Partnership Between WWE and the Allstate Arena
Since WWE started performing at the Allstate Arena in August 1985, the company has held 181 events there, becoming a staple in the Chicago combat sports scene. Despite occasional deviations, WWE has maintained a strong loyalty to the arena, making it the center of many memorable moments in wrestling history.
Among the numerous WWE events held at the Allstate Arena are prestigious shows such as WrestleMania II, WrestleMania 13 and 22, several editions of Survivor Series, Payback, Extreme Rules, Money In the Bank, Judgment Day, NXT TakeOver: Chicago, No Mercy, Night of Champions, and Hell In a Cell. This long history showcases the deep connection between WWE and the Chicago fanbase, reflected in both live and televised spectacles.
Triple H Highlights the Special Tribute for WWE from Allstate Arena Officials
Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer and a key figure in the company, shared today how the Allstate Arena has honored WWE with a distinctive backstage mural celebrating over 40 years of wrestling action at the venue. This tribute includes a large graphic featuring legendary names such as Steve Austin, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, The Rock, Charlotte Flair, Ric Flair, AJ Styles, Bryan Danielson, The Undertaker, Randy Savage, Tiffany Stratton, Beth Phoenix, hometown hero CM Punk, and Triple H himself.
He took to social media to emphasize the arena’s special place in WWE history and its impact on every wrestler who has performed there. Triple H expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming SmackDown event and reaffirmed the magic created at the venue throughout the years.
“40 years of @WWE history. Epic matches, jaw-dropping returns, and game-changing debuts. The @AllstateArena holds a special place in the heart of every Superstar who gets the chance to perform here. This place is magic…let’s make some more tonight. #Smackdown in Chicago will be [fire emoji x 3],” Triple H wrote with the photo below.
This statement highlights the significance of the arena’s legacy and the anticipation surrounding tonight’s showcase, which promises to deliver memorable moments for fans and wrestlers alike.
Historic Matches Between John Cena and Triple H at the Allstate Arena
John Cena and Triple H have clashed at the Allstate Arena on notable occasions, including two main events around WrestleMania 22 in 2006. The pay-per-view headliner saw Cena, also known as “Big Match John,” successfully defend the WWE Championship against Triple H in a 22-minute bout. The following night on Raw, they teamed up in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match against Edge, combining rivalries and storylines that have defined WWE’s modern era.
Such historic encounters underscore the arena’s role as a battleground for wrestling’s top talent and storylines. With Cena’s final SmackDown appearance in Chicago scheduled for tonight, fans can expect the continuation of this rich tradition.
The Lasting Impact of Cena’s Final SmackDown and Future Prospects
John Cena’s departure from the active WWE roster marks the end of an era, especially given the significance of his farewell event at the Allstate Arena. This venue has been a central stage for many of his career highlights and memorable WWE moments. Cena’s final SmackDown in Chicago carries emotional weight for fans, performers, and WWE as a whole.
Moving forward, WWE’s close relationship with iconic venues like the Allstate Arena will continue to shape the company’s live event strategy. As the nostalgic night unfolds, the event is expected to celebrate WWE’s enduring impact in the Chicago market and honor the legacy of its storied superstars.
