Washington D.C. prepares to host a pivotal moment in professional wrestling history as John Cena, one of WWE’s most decorated and influential superstars, is scheduled to compete in his final active competition match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. The event, held at the Capital One Arena, marks the culmination of a year-long farewell tour for Cena, who will face the formidable Gunther in a highly anticipated main event.
Cena’s journey to this swansong has been meticulously crafted, a reflective period for a career spanning over two decades. Known for his "Never Give Up" mantra and his unparalleled connection with the WWE Universe, Cena transitioned from a polarizing figure in the mid-2000s to a universally respected icon, breaking barriers both inside the squared circle and in Hollywood. His 16 world championships, a record he held jointly with Ric Flair, were recently surpassed at WrestleMania 41, solidifying his status as the most decorated champion in WWE history with 17 recognized world titles.
The path to his final opponent was determined through a grueling 16-man tournament, featuring top talent from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even surprise entrants from Cena’s storied past. Gunther, the "Ring General," emerged victorious from this bracket, overcoming a field that included former champions and rising stars, a testament to his undeniable prowess and current standing in the company.
Gunther’s 2025 has been a rollercoaster, marked by both triumph and controversy. The year began with him holding the coveted World Heavyweight Championship, a title he had dominated for an extended period, showcasing his brutal, submission-based style. However, his reign came to an unexpected end at WrestleMania 41, where he suffered a shocking defeat to Jey Uso. This loss, particularly the manner in which he tapped out, reportedly fueled a period of intense frustration and erratic behavior. Gunther’s subsequent actions included uncharacteristic outbursts, notably attacking WWE commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, leading to a highly personal and physical encounter with McAfee at Backlash. Following this detour, Gunther managed to reclaim the World Heavyweight Championship from Jey Uso in a hard-fought rematch, re-establishing his dominance. Yet, his reign was again cut short at SummerSlam, where he dropped the title under circumstances that remain a subject of debate among fans and pundits. A subsequent hiatus due to multiple reported injuries further complicated his year, making his return and victory in the "Last Time Is Now" tournament all the more remarkable. His victory over a returning Goldberg in a non-title grudge match also demonstrated his willingness to face any challenger, irrespective of their legendary status.
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For John Cena, his final year in active competition has been a mosaic of memorable highs and challenging lows. It commenced with a strong showing at the Royal Rumble, where he was one of the final two competitors, ultimately falling short to Jey Uso, hinting at the rivalry that would define parts of the year. The most significant and controversial moment of his farewell tour occurred at the Elimination Chamber. In a stunning and widely debated turn of events, Cena shocked the WWE Universe by aligning himself with Hollywood megastar The Rock and music sensation Travis Scott. This unexpected heel turn saw them brutally attack Cody Rhodes, who had earned his spot to challenge for a major title at WrestleMania 41. The alliance, driven by Cena’s desire to achieve an unprecedented 17th world championship, set the stage for a dramatic confrontation at WrestleMania 41. There, Cena defeated Cody Rhodes in a highly divisive match, securing his record-breaking 17th recognized world title.
Following his historic win and a brief, impactful championship reign, Cena underwent a swift but meaningful "face turn," acknowledging the controversial nature of his path to the record and seemingly seeking to conclude his career on a note of respect and sportsmanship. This led to a series of high-profile encounters, including a highly anticipated clash with long-time rival Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, a brutal affair that showcased the enduring physicality of both men. Additionally, Cena engaged in "fun throwback matches" against legendary opponents such as CM Punk and AJ Styles. These encounters, while not always for championships, provided fans with nostalgic trips down memory lane, celebrating some of Cena’s most iconic rivalries and demonstrating his continued ability to perform at the highest level against diverse styles. These matches served as a fitting tribute to his versatility and longevity, allowing him to share the ring with peers who have significantly contributed to his legacy.
The choice of Gunther as Cena’s final opponent is particularly symbolic. Gunther represents the new breed of dominant, no-nonsense competitors, a stark contrast to Cena’s more traditional, crowd-engaging persona. His physical style, precise strikes, and relentless submissions make him a credible and formidable challenge for Cena, who, while still capable, has reduced his in-ring schedule significantly in recent years. This match is not merely a farewell but a clash of generations and philosophies, promising a hard-hitting contest that will test Cena’s resolve one last time.
Beyond the main event, Saturday Night’s Main Event is set to feature a unique card, reflecting one of John Cena’s final requests to the promotion: to showcase the future talent of the business against the established top stars of today. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between WWE’s main roster and its developmental brand, NXT, providing a significant platform for rising stars.
The undercard includes three highly anticipated cross-brand matches:
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi: This champion vs. champion encounter pits the "American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, fresh off his historic title victory at WrestleMania 40 and a subsequent dominant reign, against the physically imposing and undefeated NXT Champion, Oba Femi. Femi, known for his raw power and explosive athleticism, has quickly ascended the ranks in NXT, capturing the championship with an impressive display of dominance. This match is a significant test for Femi and offers Rhodes an opportunity to solidify his status against a formidable challenger from the developmental system. The stakes are immense, as a victory for Femi could signal a rapid main roster call-up, while a win for Rhodes would underscore the main roster’s supremacy.
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater: This tag team contest features the seasoned veteran AJ Styles, a multi-time world champion and one of the most technically gifted wrestlers of his generation, teaming with the high-flying sensation Dragon Lee, who has impressed since his arrival in WWE with his innovative Lucha Libre style. They will face the dynamic NXT duo of Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater. Evans and Slater have quickly established themselves as a formidable and exciting tag team in NXT, showcasing incredible chemistry and athleticism. This match promises to be a fast-paced, high-octane affair, highlighting the contrasting styles and providing the NXT team with a massive opportunity to prove themselves against two of WWE’s most respected performers.
- Bayley vs. Sol Ruca: In the women’s division, former Grand Slam Champion Bayley, a cornerstone of the main roster for years and known for her tactical prowess and experience, will go head-to-head with NXT’s rising star, Sol Ruca. Ruca has garnered significant attention for her unique and acrobatic offensive style, often incorporating elements of gymnastics into her repertoire. This matchup offers Ruca a high-profile platform to demonstrate her capabilities against a decorated veteran, while Bayley will look to maintain her standing against the next generation of talent. The clash represents a significant moment for the future of the women’s division.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., with a start time of 8 p.m. ET. Fans wishing to witness John Cena’s final match and the intriguing cross-brand matchups can watch live on Peacock, with a subscription required for access. The night is poised to be an emotional farewell for one of wrestling’s all-time greats and a thrilling preview of WWE’s promising future.
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