WWE has officially revealed that John Cena will conclude his farewell tour with his last match on December 13th at Saturday Night’s Main Event, held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The 17-time world champion’s final bout will mark the end of an era, attracting fans as the event’s tickets go on sale on October 17th through Ticketmaster, including an early presale.
The event’s announcement was accompanied by official artwork and key details, promising an unforgettable send-off for the WWE universe. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s chief content officer, reflected on Cena’s immense impact on the industry, stating,
“John’s contributions to WWE are immeasurable. There are no words that can truly relay how much he means to this business.”
He added,
Together with our partners at Events DC and Capital One Arena, we look forward to honoring his legacy and delivering an unforgettable send-off for both John and the WWE Universe.
—Paul Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer
Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events DC, emphasized the significance of Washington, D.C. as the venue, saying,
Washington, D.C. is the Sports Capital and the perfect place to honor John Cena’s remarkable legacy. We are excited to welcome WWE fans from our city and around the globe to witness an unforgettable final showdown in our nation’s capital. We deeply value our partnership with WWE and look forward to providing fans with an experience they will cherish forever.
—Angie M. Gates, President and CEO of Events DC
The Journey Leading to Cena’s Final Bout
John Cena revealed his plan to retire by 2025 during the summer of 2024 at the Money in the Bank event, declaring publicly that “the last time is now.” This triggered a farewell tour designed to let him face longstanding rivals alongside emerging talent in WWE’s roster. Over his career, the 48-year-old has shocked audiences, including an unexpected heel turn in February at Elimination Chamber where he aligned with The Rock—though this villainous phase was brief and ended before SummerSlam.
Cena achieved a record-setting milestone by defeating Cody Rhodes for his 17th world championship at WrestleMania 41. He later squared off against familiar opponents such as Randy Orton, CM Punk, and R-Truth. After surrendering the WWE title back to Rhodes at SummerSlam, Cena secured a win over social media personality Logan Paul during Clash in Paris. Most recently, Brock Lesnar handed him a decisive loss at Wrestlepalooza, preceding an upcoming match against AJ Styles scheduled for October 11th at Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia.
Speculation Around John Cena’s Final Opponent
With the John Cena Farewell Tour gaining momentum, speculation about his final opponent has been widespread. While many expected him to close out his career against a veteran rival, facing AJ Styles in October means he will have confronted nearly every top contender on WWE’s current roster. Fans have floated surprising names like The Rock and Cope (formerly Edge), but these are unlikely due to their existing commitments outside WWE or with rival promotions.
Among potential opponents, Gunther, known as the Ring General and former World Heavyweight Champion, stands out as the frontrunner. Reports indicate that Cena’s father advocated for an Austrian opponent before the heel turn altered plans. Dominik Mysterio, the current Intercontinental Champion and son of Cena’s close friend Rey Mysterio, is also being considered for a high-profile match. Other rising stars like Bron Breakker, associated with Seth Rollins’ Vision faction, and Oba Femi, who recently lost the NXT Championship, have been mentioned as possible challengers who could benefit from sharing the ring with Cena.
The Significance of Cena’s Farewell Match
John Cena’s final match signifies not only the conclusion of a storied career but also a pivotal moment for WWE’s future. His farewell tour has allowed him to engage both longtime adversaries and promising new stars, providing a bridge between generations. The event at Capital One Arena promises to celebrate Cena’s legacy in the nation’s capital, delivering a memorable experience for fans worldwide.
This farewell match will likely influence WWE’s direction, shining a spotlight on emerging talents such as Gunther, Dominik Mysterio, and Bron Breakker, who may assume larger roles moving forward. As Cena transitions away from full-time competition, WWE and its audience will watch closely to see how both his departing presence and the new era of wrestlers shape the company’s future.
