John Cena’s WWE retirement match is officially set for December 13, 2025, marking the conclusion of his illustrious in-ring career. The match will take place during Saturday Night’s Main Event, a special event exclusively streamed on Peacock. This announcement confirms previous reports about the timing and venue, putting an end to speculation around a possible date change.
With Cena planning to retire at the end of 2025, WWE has anchored this significant event on Peacock’s platform, aligning it with the company’s ongoing broadcast strategy. The retirement match will be a marquee occasion and stands as a major draw for wrestling fans worldwide, emphasizing Cena’s lasting impact on WWE.
Streaming Arrangement Strengthens WWE and Peacock Partnership
WWE and Peacock have recently expanded their collaboration to exclusively stream Saturday Night’s Main Event, including John Cena’s retirement bout, four times annually. This agreement was announced on August 20, 2025, positioning Peacock as the exclusive home for these high-profile live events. Two other scheduled events for 2025 include November 1 and a second occurrence on December 13, when Cena’s final match will headline.
This deal is part of a broader multi-year agreement that also ensures Peacock retains access to the WWE Network library through the end of 2025. Additionally, NXT Premium Live Events will be available on Peacock until March 2026. While Encore SmackDown episodes remain on Peacock with a 30-day delay, the USA Network continues to broadcast SmackDown live every Friday night.
Significance of Saturday Night’s Main Event Returning to Live Streaming
Saturday Night’s Main Event originally aired on NBC from 1985 to 1991 before making a comeback in September 2024. The revival event took place at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, N.Y., the site of the first-ever event. Since returning, it has aired live on NBC, but the move to Peacock will offer a commercial-free experience, elevating its presentation.
The exclusivity on Peacock not only centralizes WWE’s premium content, such as championship matches and key rivalries, but also highlights the importance WWE places on the retirement of one of its most iconic stars, John Cena. This strategic positioning is set to enhance viewership and provide fans with an uninterrupted, high-quality presentation of Cena’s final performance.
Industry Leaders Reflect on the Partnership and John Cena’s Retirement
Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Peacock, highlighting the significance of Saturday Night’s Main Event in WWE’s programming lineup:
“We’re excited to bring Saturday Night’s Main Event exclusively to Peacock beginning this fall,”
—Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer
“NBCU have been terrific longtime partners, and we look forward to continuing to work with them for years to come.”
—Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer
Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, also shared his positive outlook about the deal and spotlighted John Cena’s upcoming farewell match:
“Peacock has had a wonderful relationship with the WWE and we’re excited to see it continue far into the future,”
—Rick Cordella, President, NBC Sports
“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.”
—Rick Cordella, President, NBC Sports
Context Behind John Cena’s Retirement and WWE Programming Changes
John Cena’s retirement marks the end of a transformative era for WWE, as he has been one of the company’s most recognizable faces and a multi-time champion. This retirement match will serve as a celebration of his career, with fans eager to witness his final in-ring performance live and exclusively on Peacock.
At the same time, WWE is adjusting its broadcast and streaming platforms to align with modern viewing habits. The transition of Saturday Night’s Main Event to a streaming-only platform reflects the shift toward digital distribution. It also allows WWE to deliver premium content without network advertisement interruptions, enhancing viewer experience.
The partnership maintains USA Network’s exclusive live Friday night SmackDown broadcasts, complementing Peacock’s offerings by providing WWE fans multiple viewing options across platforms.
Looking Ahead: What John Cena’s Retirement Means for WWE and Fans
John Cena’s retirement will likely have significant influence on WWE’s future storytelling and roster development, as new superstars prepare to step into the spotlight he helped brighten. The December 13 event is poised to be a landmark occasion, honoring Cena’s legacy and setting the stage for WWE’s next chapter.
By streaming this match exclusively on Peacock, WWE expects to reach a broad, engaged audience while strengthening its digital presence. The continued availability of WWE’s extensive library on Peacock also ensures fans can revisit historic moments leading up to Cena’s final match.
As 2025 progresses, the build-up to Cena’s retirement match will be a central focus of WWE programming, creating anticipation and reflective moments for the wrestling community worldwide. This event will not only commemorate the career of one of WWE’s greatest stars but also highlight the evolving landscape of professional wrestling entertainment.
