On December 13, 2025, WWE legend John Cena concluded his iconic wrestling career in a highly anticipated final match against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. The event drew a large live audience as well as viewers worldwide, all witnessing Cena’s surprising submission loss while caught in a sleeper hold. Among the many WWE superstars gathered ringside, one unexpected face stood out, sparking excitement and surprise among fans.
Notable WWE and TNA Stars Gather to Honor Cena
Before the match kicked off, John Cena shared moments with several past and present wrestling stars who came to support him. The ringside included Mark Henry, Haku, Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Michelle McCool, Trish Stratus, Eve Torres, and current WWE talents Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Additionally, Elijah, known to WWE audiences as Elias and currently associated with TNA, was present, catching many fans off guard.
How Elijah Came to Join Cena’s Final Night
Elijah opened up about the last-minute invitation he received from WWE to be part of Cena’s farewell event during a recent episode of Notsam Wrestling. He explained the surprising and somewhat uncertain nature of the request:
“I couldn’t even begin to tell ya how that came about. I really don’t know. I got a call on Tuesday from WWE saying we would like you to be at Saturday Night’s Main Event for John’s final match. I said, ‘Yeah. To do what?’ And they were like, ‘Well, we don’t really know yet. We’ll figure it out, but we’d like you to be there’ and I said, ‘Okay, sure, of course,’ and I have my own history with John and of course in general he’s just the greatest ever so, of course it was an honor to be a part of that and really fun and I was game to do whatever.If it’s like a pre-show interview or whatever. So then, nothing kind of came about and then as the main event starts to come out, they’re like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna go sit ya right there.’ ‘Okay! Sure…’ So then that was it, and a cool little moment for me. It was kind of funny and probably a little bit like, woah, to anybody who was watching that. Like, what!? There he is, right there.But, for me, it was a really fun moment to be a part of that. It was a special moment. Of course I got a lot of history and friendship with John over the years and through working together and I kind of put out a little post of myself.He was a really great advocate for me behind the scenes… So much goes on back there that people don’t know sometimes and he was always just so game to work with me and make things happen and do things, and he loved playing with the character and all that stuff too…” – Elijah, Former WWE Star and TNA Wrestler
Elijah further shared how he was unsure about his role at first, expecting perhaps a pre-show segment, but instead found himself seated ringside beside the wrestling legend for the historic encounter. Their long-standing friendship and professional history made his presence even more meaningful, highlighting Cena’s influence beyond the spotlight.
Mixed Reactions from the Crowd and Locker Room Tribute
The Washington, D.C. crowd displayed intense emotions during the event, particularly when Triple H appeared to lead the WWE locker room to honor Cena after the match. The tribute moment was met with audible frustration from the audience, who erupted with chants expressing their displeasure. This reaction underlined the passionate connection fans have with both Cena’s career and the complex dynamics within WWE.
Elijah’s Upcoming Role and WWE’s Impact on TNA Programming
Looking ahead, Elijah is set to participate in TNA’s debut broadcast on AMC, teaming up with The Hardys to face the faction Order 4. Notably, one scheduled match has been scrapped following WWE’s request, reflecting ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations between wrestling organizations. Elijah’s involvement in both wrestling scenes exemplifies the fluid relationships among talent across different promotions.
Royal Rumble 2026 Plans and WWE’s Ongoing Saudi Arabia Partnership
In other WWE news, the Royal Rumble event is slated for January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking another chapter in WWE’s billion-dollar partnership with the kingdom. Despite speculation about possible postponements, WWE officials have reaffirmed the event’s schedule, emphasizing the ongoing collaboration’s strength and strategic importance for global wrestling expansion.
Changing Narratives in WWE Title Matches and Star Alliances
Recent developments include WWE abandoning plans for a Cody Rhodes title defense despite his loss of the championship, highlighting strategic shifts in the promotion’s storytelling. Additionally, Alexa Bliss has replaced Charlotte Flair with a surprise ally, signaling evolving partnerships within the women’s division. These moves point to potential storylines that could significantly impact upcoming WWE programming.
Exciting Prospects for NXT Tag Teams and Rising WWE Stars
NXT tag teams are set to receive a significant boost following an unexpected announcement by Ava, promising new opportunities and exposure for upcoming talent. Meanwhile, one WWE star revealed widespread doubts about their chances when winning the Money In The Bank contract, showcasing the resilience required to thrive in the competitive environment of professional wrestling.
AEW Updates and Wrestler Futures
On January 14, 2026, AEW’s Dynamite Maximum Carnage television special will air, featuring a series of notable matches that could redefine storylines and wrestler trajectories in the promotion. Additionally, a popular AEW competitor has disclosed promising news regarding their future plans, adding to the excitement across professional wrestling fans worldwide.
John Cena’s final match represents a pivotal moment not only in WWE history but also in wrestling at large. The surprising inclusion of Elijah ringside underscored the deep connections and mutual respect among wrestlers, while the mixed reactions from fans and the locker room speak to the passionate engagement surrounding Cena’s career conclusion. As WWE and affiliated promotions continue evolving through strategic partnerships, talent shifts, and major events like Royal Rumble 2026, the wrestling world remains on the cusp of new stories and thrilling chapters.
