John Cena, one of the most iconic WWE Superstars in history, is officially preparing for his last in-ring appearance. The John Cena final match will take place on December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII in Washington, D.C., ending a 26-year career that defined an entire era of professional wrestling. Cena first announced his retirement in July 2024, explaining that he would finish performing in 2025. Now that WWE has confirmed the date and opponent, fans worldwide are preparing for one of the most emotional farewells wrestling has ever seen.
Gunther vs. Cena: The Opponent Chosen for John Cena’s Final Match
To determine who would face Cena, WWE created a special tournament called “The Last Time Is Now.” The bracket ended with Gunther defeating LA Knight, earning him the honor of competing in the John Cena final match. Gunther has already embraced the role of Cena’s final rival, calling himself the man who will close out one of the greatest careers in WWE history. It’s a symbolic passing of the torch: a modern powerhouse taking on the face of a previous generation.
A Weekend Dedicated to the John Cena Final Match
WWE is building an entire event around the John Cena final match, treating it as a historic moment. The match will air live on Peacock, and some reports suggest it may even open the show to guarantee maximum spotlight. Fans from across the world are traveling to Washington, D.C., turning the weekend into a full celebration of Cena’s legacy. Ticket demand is massive, hotel bookings are high, and WWE has prepared tribute packages highlighting Cena’s 26-year run.
A Career Unlike Any Other
The John Cena final match marks the end of one of wrestling’s most influential careers. Cena wrestled more than 2,300 matches, held 17 world championships, headlined major events for over a decade, and became a global household name. His “Never Give Up” motto inspired millions of fans, especially younger viewers who saw him as a real-life superhero. As the final match approaches, tributes from Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar, and even legends like CM Punk and Triple H have poured in. AEW stars, including Samoa Joe, have shown respect by using Cena’s signature moves during their own matches.
Cena Wanted More Matches Before Retiring
Even though the John Cena final match ends his in-ring career, Cena revealed that he originally hoped to wrestle more often in 2025. Hollywood obligations made that impossible, but he still committed to key appearances throughout the year. Cena also confirmed he has signed a new multi-year WWE contract — not to wrestle, but to remain involved as an ambassador and mentor. So while this is the end of his physical career, it is not the end of his relationship with WWE or its fans.
Why This Retirement Feels So Real
Many wrestling retirements feel temporary. But the John Cena final match feels different because WWE is treating it as a true ending, not a storyline twist. There is a sense of closure, respect, and celebration surrounding Cena’s retirement. Older fans see it as the end of an era they grew up with. Younger fans see the retirement of their childhood hero. The wrestling industry sees a performer who carried the company through countless challenges and never wavered in commitment.
The Final Bell for John Cena
On December 13, 2025, the John Cena final match will bring an extraordinary career to its final chapter. When Cena steps into the ring against Gunther, it will be more than a wrestling match — it will be a celebration of passion, resilience, and everything Cena has given to WWE. Some careers fade quietly. Cena’s is ending exactly the way he lived it: proudly, loudly, and with millions watching. After this year, you won’t see him in the ring again. But no one will forget what he leaves behind.
