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Cena, a figure synonymous with the WWE for over two decades, has been gradually transitioning away from full-time competition, dedicating more time to his burgeoning Hollywood career. His presence, however, has consistently drawn record viewership and live attendance, underscoring his enduring appeal. This final match against Gunther, a formidable and intensely physical competitor, is poised to be a fittingly challenging send-off for one of the industry’s most iconic figures.
Gunther earned his spot as Cena’s final opponent by emerging victorious from a grueling 16-man tournament, a unique competition designed to determine the ultimate challenger for the departing legend. The tournament featured a diverse roster of talent, drawing from WWE’s flagship brands, Raw and SmackDown, promising NXT prospects, and even surprise appearances from notable figures from Cena’s storied past. Gunther, known for his methodical and brutal in-ring style, navigated a bracket that reportedly included formidable opponents such as Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, and even a shock return from a former rival, ultimately solidifying his claim to face Cena in this historic encounter. His path to this main event has been anything but conventional, marked by significant title changes, controversial actions, and a period of physical recovery.
Gunther’s recent trajectory in WWE has been characterized by both dominance and unexpected setbacks. His year began with a significant defeat at WrestleMania 41, where he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Jey Uso in a match that surprised many analysts. The "Ring General" had held the title with an iron grip for a record-setting duration prior to this, and his loss to Uso, particularly the manner in which he reportedly tapped out, sent ripples through the WWE Universe. This defeat appeared to trigger a notable shift in Gunther’s character. Fans at subsequent events relentlessly taunted him with chants referencing his submission, leading to an increasingly volatile and aggressive demeanor.
The frustration culminated in a series of highly publicized incidents where Gunther, seemingly unhinged by the public’s perception and his championship loss, physically assaulted both Michael Cole, a veteran play-by-play commentator, and Pat McAfee, a color commentator and former NFL star. These unprovoked attacks, which drew widespread condemnation, ultimately led to an unscheduled but highly anticipated match against Pat McAfee at Backlash. In a hard-fought contest, Gunther reportedly secured a decisive victory over McAfee, a match that, while outside the typical championship picture, served to re-establish his intimidating presence and reinforce his heel persona.
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Following this detour, Gunther refocused on championship gold. He quickly earned a rematch against Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship. In a brutal encounter, which many critics lauded as a contender for "Match of the Year," Gunther decisively defeated Uso to reclaim the title, demonstrating his resilience and reaffirming his status at the top of the Raw roster. His reign, however, was brief. A surprising "detour" saw him face and defeat the returning legend Goldberg in a special attraction match, a contest that further cemented Gunther’s reputation as a generational talent capable of overcoming iconic figures. Despite these high-profile victories, Gunther dropped the World Heavyweight Championship once more at SummerSlam, reportedly to an up-and-coming superstar who capitalized on a moment of weakness. This second title loss was followed by a period of absence from WWE programming, attributed to multiple undisclosed injuries sustained over his intensely physical year. His return to contention for Cena’s final match has been met with both anticipation and concern regarding his physical state.
John Cena’s "final year" in WWE has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both triumphant highs and controversial lows, a fitting reflection of his complex career. The year began with a strong showing at the Royal Rumble, where Cena entered as a favorite and made it to the final two, ultimately being eliminated by Jey Uso in a dramatic finish that nearly saw him secure a main event spot at WrestleMania. However, the most talked-about moment of Cena’s year came at the Elimination Chamber event. In a shocking turn of events, after earning his spot at WrestleMania through a grueling qualification match, Cena executed an infamous heel turn. He unexpectedly joined forces with "The Great One," The Rock, and Grammy-winning artist Travis Scott, to brutally assault Cody Rhodes, the fan-favorite and presumed challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This alliance sent shockwaves through the industry, with many fans expressing disbelief at Cena’s unprecedented actions.
The culmination of this heel turn saw Cena face Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 in a highly contentious match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. In a moment that will forever be etched in WWE history, Cena defeated Rhodes, securing his 17th recognized world championship. This victory officially broke the long-standing record of 16 world championships, previously held by the legendary "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, a statistical milestone that further solidified Cena’s unparalleled legacy in professional wrestling. The title run, however, was short-lived, and Cena soon underwent a subsequent "face turn," the circumstances of which are still debated by pundits, but which reportedly involved him confronting his actions and apologizing to the WWE Universe and Cody Rhodes.
Following his championship reign and subsequent character shift, Cena found himself embroiled in another high-profile rivalry, this time with his long-time nemesis, Brock Lesnar. The two titans clashed in a highly anticipated encounter at Wrestlepalooza, a premium live event where their storied rivalry added another brutal chapter. While the outcome of that particular bout was widely discussed, it underscored Cena’s willingness to face any challenge, regardless of his impending retirement. Beyond these major storylines, Cena also engaged in a series of "throwback" matches, delighting long-time fans with contests against revered figures like CM Punk and AJ Styles, reminding the audience of his versatility and ability to still deliver main event-caliber performances.
A significant aspect of Saturday Night’s Main Event, and reportedly one of John Cena’s final requests to WWE management, is a dedicated showcase for the future talent of the business. Cena, known for his mentorship and dedication to the next generation, specifically asked for matches that would pit promising NXT Superstars against established top stars from Raw and SmackDown. This initiative aims to provide invaluable exposure and experience for the emerging talent.
The undercard features three such inter-brand matchups:
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi: This highly anticipated champion vs. champion bout pits the current face of WWE, Cody Rhodes, against the dominant and imposing NXT Champion, Oba Femi. Rhodes, who has regained immense popularity since his return to WWE, will face one of NXT’s most physically impressive and rapidly ascending stars. Femi, a former collegiate athlete known for his power and athleticism, has enjoyed a commanding reign as NXT Champion, and this match against Rhodes represents his biggest challenge and opportunity to date to prove himself on a global stage.
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater: This tag team contest brings together a mix of veteran prowess and youthful exuberance. AJ Styles, a multi-time world champion and one of the most respected in-ring performers of his generation, teams with the high-flying and technically gifted Dragon Lee, a former NXT North American Champion who has recently transitioned to the main roster. They will face the dynamic duo of Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater, two of NXT’s most exciting and athletic prospects. Evans, known for his incredible agility, and Slater, celebrated for his innovative aerial offense, will have the chance to test their mettle against two of the most accomplished wrestlers in the world, showcasing NXT’s depth of talent.
- Bayley vs. Sol Ruca: This singles match features a clash between two distinctive styles. Bayley, a Grand Slam Champion and a veteran leader of the women’s division, known for her technical skill and character work, will take on Sol Ruca. Ruca, a standout from NXT known for her unique and acrobatic offensive maneuvers, particularly her innovative "Sol Snatcher" finisher, represents a new wave of talent. This match offers Ruca a high-profile platform to demonstrate her capabilities against one of WWE’s most experienced and decorated female Superstars.
The event is set to be a momentous occasion, blending the emotion of a legend’s farewell with the excitement of future stars rising.
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)
2025 WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Match Card:
- John Cena vs. Gunther (John Cena’s Farewell Match)
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater
- Bayley vs. Sol Ruca
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