WWE has disclosed plans for John Cena’s final match, set to take place at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, hosted at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The highly anticipated John Cena final match will see him facing Gunther, marking the end of an era for the wrestling legend.
Details Emerge on Cena’s Last Battle Against Gunther
According to Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer, WWE intends for Gunther to be John Cena’s final adversary later this year. There had been talk about a tournament to decide Cena’s last opponent, possibly announced by Triple H (Paul Levesque) on air, but sources confirm Gunther is already slated for the match.
“Two sources have confirmed that the latest plan is for a tournament to be announced, possibly on the air by Paul Levesque, with top wrestlers vying to be Cena’s last opponent. But multiple have confirmed however it reaches the conclusion, that Gunther was the person chosen for the match.” [H/T: Ringside News]
This decision appears to be final despite speculation about other contenders. The tournament angle would create excitement among the roster, but Gunther, known for his dominant ring presence, has been locked in as the challenger for Cena’s farewell bout.
Current and Upcoming Matches in Cena’s Schedule
Prior to his final match, Cena is booked to face AJ Styles at WWE Crown Jewel 2025, scheduled for this Saturday in Perth, Australia. This bout is highly anticipated as both veterans will showcase their skills on a major international stage before Cena’s swan song in December.
Vince Russo Voices His Preference for Cena’s Final Opponent
Wrestling personality Vince Russo has expressed his view that Brock Lesnar should be the one to face John Cena last. Russo argues that Cena needs to settle the score with Lesnar after a surprise loss to him at Wrestlepalooza 2025. He suggests that refusing this matchup might stem from backstage issues involving Cena attending Vince McMahon’s birthday celebration.
“They’ve got to let that last match be one last crack against Brock Lesnar. They have to. If they don’t, I’ll never understand why they did what they did. Unless it’s pettiness and them trying to punish Cena for going to Vince’s birthday party, who knows? But if that last match is not Lesnar and he doesn’t go over, I don’t even know what to say,” Russo said.
Though his opinion is notable, WWE’s management seems committed to the Gunther matchup despite Russo’s calls for Lesnar to headline Cena’s final contest. This reflects the ongoing tension and uncertainty surrounding Cena’s concluding storyline.
John Cena’s Recent Wrestling Journey and Character Shifts
Earlier this year, John Cena turned heel and formed an alliance with The Rock. He secured the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 41. However, Cena later returned to a hero role before losing the title back to Rhodes at the Pay-Per-View event in August known as PLE. These shifts have kept fans engaged as Cena approaches the climax of his in-ring career.
Significance and What’s Next for WWE’s Veteran Star
The announcement of Gunther as John Cena’s final opponent closes one chapter while stirring debate over the decision. The match not only signals the end of an iconic journey but also highlights WWE’s direction in developing fresh rivalries. Fans and analysts remain anxious about whether the event will live up to expectations amid backstage speculation and divided opinions on Cena’s farewell opponent.
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena, where John Cena will step into the ring for one last time, confronting Gunther in a match laden with emotional and career-defining weight.
