John Cena’s retirement match, part of WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, is set for December 13, drawing significant attention as the 17-time world champion approaches the end of his wrestling career. That same day, AEW has announced a major show in Cardiff, creating a rare scheduling conflict for wrestling fans eager to follow both promotions.
The exact opponent for Cena’s final WWE match remains undisclosed, but this event will mark one of his last performances before retiring by the year’s end. Meanwhile, AEW revealed a return to the United Kingdom with two December shows: Collision in Cardiff on December 13 and Dynamite in Manchester shortly after.
AEW and WWE to Present Major Live Events on the Same Date
AEW’s announcement followed their recent Forbidden Door event, confirming their December 13 show in Cardiff, Wales, alongside another event in Manchester. While timing details are unclear, AEW may broadcast the Cardiff show live with a different time slot to avoid direct overlap with WWE’s programming.
On the WWE side, the December 13 event is a pivotal moment, potentially featuring John Cena’s career conclusion. This juxtaposition sets up a direct competition between AEW and WWE for viewer attention on the same night in different parts of the world.
Additional Clash Between AEW and WWE Expected at Next Month’s Events
The rivalry between the companies extends beyond December, as AEW plans its major pay-per-view “All Out” next month at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. At the same time, WWE is organizing a new event called Wrestlepalooza in Indiana, designed to counter AEW’s presence.
Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported that WWE intends to feature a high-profile match between John Cena and Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, although the card is not yet official. This potential face-off indicates another head-to-head contest, emphasizing WWE’s strategy to compete directly with AEW’s offerings.
Implications for Fans and the Wrestling Industry
The overlapping schedules of these major shows highlight the intensifying competition between WWE and AEW, especially as Cena’s retirement adds emotional weight to the WWE event. Fans may face difficult choices on which broadcasts to follow live, reflecting the growing divide in the wrestling audience.
For both promotions, these clashes could impact viewership numbers and brand loyalty, setting the stage for continued rivalry. John Cena’s retirement match especially holds significance as it signifies the end of an era, coinciding with AEW’s expansion into key international markets like the United Kingdom.
“John Cena’s long-awaited bout with Brock Lesnar seems to be one of those that will be booked for the show, in order to counter-program Tony Khan and AEW.” —Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
