The culmination of a storied career approaches as John Cena, one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures, prepares for his final match in active competition at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. Set to take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., the highly anticipated event will see Cena face off against the formidable Gunther, concluding a year-long farewell tour that has traversed the highs and lows of the WWE landscape. The match against Gunther, a dominant force in recent WWE history, marks the definitive end of Cena’s active in-ring career, promising a historic and emotionally charged encounter for fans worldwide.
Gunther’s path to this monumental clash has been a tumultuous one, marked by significant victories, controversial actions, and a period of recuperation. The Austrian powerhouse secured his spot as Cena’s final opponent by emerging victorious from a demanding 16-man tournament. This bracket-style competition featured a diverse array of talent from WWE’s flagship brands, Raw and SmackDown, promising NXT prospects, and even surprise entrants from Cena’s storied past, all vying for the opportunity to etch their name in history by retiring the legendary "Leader of the Cenation." Gunther’s dominant run through the tournament showcased his unparalleled in-ring prowess and unwavering focus, solidifying his status as one of WWE’s premier competitors.
Prior to the tournament, Gunther experienced a complex and "odd year" in WWE. His reign as a world heavyweight champion, a period characterized by brutal efficiency and a seemingly unbreakable grip on the title, came to an unexpected halt at WrestleMania 41. There, he succumbed to Jey Uso, marking a significant upset and the first time many fans had witnessed Gunther tap out in a high-profile match. The defeat triggered a dramatic shift in Gunther’s on-screen persona. Visibly incensed by the loss and the subsequent taunts from the WWE Universe, Gunther’s frustration boiled over, leading to controversial attacks on WWE commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee. These unprovoked assaults underscored a newfound instability in Gunther’s character, blurring the lines between his calculated aggression and outright rage. The altercation with McAfee escalated into a one-on-one match at Backlash, a contest that further highlighted Gunther’s volatile state.
Despite these setbacks and character shifts, Gunther demonstrated his resilience and determination. He swiftly rebounded by defeating Jey Uso in a highly anticipated rematch, reclaiming the world heavyweight title and reasserting his dominance over the division. This victory, however, was followed by a brief but notable "detour" in his championship reign, a non-title encounter against the returning WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg. While the specifics of this match were largely for exhibition, it provided a unique cross-generational clash before Gunther eventually dropped the world heavyweight title once again at SummerSlam, a major event on the WWE calendar. Following this title loss, Gunther was sidelined for a period due to multiple undisclosed injuries, leading to a hiatus from active competition. His return to the tournament for Cena’s final opponent underscores a renewed vigor and a clear objective for the "Ring General."
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John Cena’s final year in WWE has been a rollercoaster of emotions and defining moments, showcasing both his enduring appeal and his willingness to push the boundaries of his established character. The year began with a near-miss at the Royal Rumble, where Cena made a strong showing, ultimately coming up short when it came down to him and Jey Uso in the final two. This close call hinted at Cena’s desire for one last major championship run. However, the most talked-about event of Cena’s farewell year was undoubtedly his infamous heel turn at the Elimination Chamber. In a shocking move that sent ripples through the WWE Universe, Cena aligned himself with an unlikely duo: The Rock, a longtime rival and Hollywood icon, and musician Travis Scott. Together, they launched a brutal assault on Cody Rhodes after Rhodes had legitimately earned his spot at WrestleMania, fundamentally altering the landscape of WWE’s main event picture.
This heel turn culminated in a highly controversial match at WrestleMania, where Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to capture a world championship. This victory was historically significant, as it propelled Cena past the long-standing record held by Ric Flair, securing his 17th recognized world championship reign in WWE. The win solidified Cena’s place in the annals of professional wrestling as the most decorated champion in the promotion’s history, a testament to his longevity and consistent success. Following this unprecedented championship run, Cena underwent a "subsequent face turn," gradually reverting to his more heroic persona, a move that pleased many long-time fans who had struggled with his heel portrayal. The year also saw the return of another one of Cena’s most formidable adversaries, Brock Lesnar, leading to a high-profile clash between the two at Wrestlepalooza, reigniting a rivalry that has defined eras. Additionally, Cena engaged in a series of "fun throwback matches" with other iconic figures from his past, including CM Punk and AJ Styles, allowing fans to relive classic rivalries one last time. These matches served as a nostalgic celebration of Cena’s career, reminding audiences of the depth of his contributions to the sport.
Beyond the main event, Saturday Night’s Main Event is set to feature a card designed to bridge the gap between WWE’s established stars and its future talent. This initiative, reportedly one of Cena’s final requests to the promotion, aims to put a spotlight on the next generation of WWE superstars by pitting them against current main roster heavyweights. This strategic booking underscores Cena’s commitment to the longevity and evolution of the business he has helped define for over two decades.
The featured matches showcasing this "future vs. present" dynamic include:
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi: This highly anticipated clash pits two of WWE’s most prominent champions against each other. Cody Rhodes, the undisputed face of the main roster, brings a legacy of championship reigns and a deep connection with the WWE Universe. His opponent, Oba Femi, represents the powerful and athletic future of NXT. Femi’s dominant run as NXT Champion has showcased his incredible strength and potential, making this a compelling non-title encounter that could signal Femi’s readiness for the main roster. The match provides a crucial platform for Femi to demonstrate his capabilities against a top-tier opponent, while for Rhodes, it’s an opportunity to solidify his status as a champion capable of overcoming any challenge, regardless of the brand.
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater (Tag Team Action): This tag team encounter combines veteran experience with youthful exuberance. AJ Styles, a multi-time world champion and one of the most respected in-ring performers of his generation, teams with Dragon Lee, a high-flying sensation who has quickly adapted to the main roster. They will face the formidable NXT duo of Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater. Both Evans and Slater have captivated audiences in NXT with their athletic prowess and dynamic styles, earning them a significant opportunity to showcase their talents on a major WWE stage. This match is expected to be a fast-paced, high-octane affair, highlighting the diverse styles and athleticism present across WWE’s roster.
- Bayley vs. Sol Ruca: This singles match brings together a cornerstone of WWE’s women’s division and one of NXT’s most unique talents. Bayley, a former Women’s Champion and a veteran leader in the locker room, has consistently delivered impactful performances throughout her career. She faces Sol Ruca, known for her innovative offense and distinctive gymnastic-inspired maneuvers. Ruca’s potential has been widely discussed within NXT, and this match against a seasoned performer like Bayley provides her with a significant test and a chance to prove her readiness for a larger spotlight. The match is expected to blend Bayley’s technical precision and storytelling with Ruca’s athleticism and unconventional approach.
Fans eager to witness John Cena’s final match and the exciting card of Saturday Night’s Main Event can find all the broadcast details below:
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Location: Capital One Arena — Washington, D.C.
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Watch Live: Peacock (subscription required)
The event promises to be a landmark occasion in WWE history, not only marking the end of an illustrious career but also serving as a pivotal moment for the future stars poised to carry the torch. John Cena’s farewell match against Gunther, alongside a card designed to showcase the next generation, ensures that Saturday Night’s Main Event will be a night remembered for its blend of nostalgia, high-stakes competition, and a clear vision for WWE’s evolving landscape.
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