WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event to Host John Cena’s Final Active Competition Match Against Gunther in Historic Farewell

Washington D.C. prepares to host a pivotal moment in professional wrestling history as John Cena, one of WWE’s most iconic and decorated superstars, is set to compete in his final active competition match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The event, scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Capital One Arena, will see Cena conclude his year-long farewell tour against the formidable Gunther, "The Ring General," in a highly anticipated main event.

Cena’s retirement match marks the culmination of a career spanning over two decades, characterized by 17 recognized world championship reigns, a record-breaking achievement that surpassed the long-standing mark of 16 held by Ric Flair. His journey to this final bout has been a testament to his enduring impact, marked by a mix of monumental successes and controversial turns throughout 2025.

Cena’s Turbulent Farewell Year: A Record-Breaking Run and Controversial Alliances

The past year has been a tumultuous yet defining period for Cena. He commenced 2025 by reaching the final two of the Royal Rumble, ultimately coming up short against Jey Uso in a hard-fought contest that underscored his continued competitive spirit. This early setback, however, was merely a prelude to a year of unexpected developments.

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The most significant and polarizing moment of Cena’s farewell year occurred at the Elimination Chamber event. In a move that shocked the WWE Universe, Cena executed an infamous heel turn, aligning himself with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and musician Travis Scott. This unlikely trio orchestrated a brutal assault on Cody Rhodes, who had just earned his coveted spot at WrestleMania 41. The incident sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, drawing widespread condemnation from fans and pundits alike, who viewed it as a betrayal of Cena’s long-standing "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect" mantra. The controversy only intensified when, at WrestleMania 41, Cena defeated Rhodes to capture his 17th recognized world championship, officially breaking Ric Flair’s storied record. The victory, while historic, was overshadowed by the manner in which it was achieved, cementing a divisive chapter in Cena’s illustrious career.

Following his record-breaking title run, Cena experienced a subsequent face turn, attempting to mend fences with the WWE faithful. This period also saw the return of Brock Lesnar, leading to a high-profile encounter at Wrestlepalooza. The clash rekindled a storied rivalry between two of WWE’s biggest draws, adding another marquee match to Cena’s farewell itinerary. Additionally, Cena engaged in a series of "throwback matches" with perennial fan favorites such as CM Punk and AJ Styles, delivering nostalgic encounters that allowed fans to revisit some of his most memorable feuds before his departure. These matches, often characterized by their competitive nature and storytelling, served as a final reminder of Cena’s versatility and longevity in the ring.

Gunther’s Dominant and Unpredictable Road to the Main Event

Standing opposite Cena in his final match is Gunther, a competitor whose 2025 has been equally dramatic and defining. Known for his hard-hitting European strong style and his imposing presence as "The Ring General," Gunther earned his shot at Cena by triumphing in a grueling 16-man tournament. The competition featured a diverse roster of superstars from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, alongside several surprise opponents from Cena’s past, all vying for the opportunity to face the departing legend. Gunther’s victory in the tournament underscored his status as one of WWE’s most dominant forces, showcasing his tactical prowess and physical superiority against a varied field of contenders.

Gunther’s year began with a significant setback at WrestleMania 41, where he unexpectedly lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Jey Uso. This defeat marked a rare moment of vulnerability for the usually stoic champion. The loss seemingly triggered an "odd year" for Gunther, as he reportedly "lost his mind" in the aftermath, fueled by fan taunts regarding his submission to Uso. This period of instability manifested in aggressive outbursts, including unprovoked attacks on WWE commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, which escalated into a match against McAfee at Backlash. Gunther’s unpredictable behavior continued, but he soon regained his composure and focus, leading to a decisive rematch against Jey Uso, where he reclaimed the World Heavyweight Title.

His second reign was marked by a unique "detour" match against the retiring Goldberg, a contest that pitted two generations of dominant powerhouses against each other. Despite holding the World Heavyweight Title, Gunther eventually dropped the championship at SummerSlam before going on a hiatus due to multiple injuries. His return to competition for the 16-man tournament demonstrated his resilience and unwavering focus on cementing his legacy, ultimately leading him to this career-defining match against John Cena.

Showcasing the Future: The Undercard’s Focus on NXT Talent

In a testament to his long-standing commitment to the future of professional wrestling, one of John Cena’s final requests to WWE management was to feature rising NXT talent prominently on the Saturday Night’s Main Event card. This initiative aims to provide a platform for the next generation of superstars to compete against established main roster names, fulfilling Cena’s desire to "showcase the future talent of the business against the top stars of today."

The undercard features three significant champion-versus-champion and cross-brand matches:

  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi: This highly anticipated bout pits two champions at different stages of their careers against each other. Cody Rhodes, having overcome significant adversity to become the Undisputed WWE Champion, represents the pinnacle of current main roster success. Oba Femi, the reigning NXT Champion, has quickly established himself as a dominant force in WWE’s developmental brand, known for his incredible physique and power. This match offers a critical test for Femi and a potential glimpse into the main event scene of tomorrow, while providing Rhodes with another high-profile challenge.

  • AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater: This tag team contest combines veteran experience with emerging high-flyers. AJ Styles, a multi-time world champion and one of the most respected performers in WWE, teams with the dynamic and agile Dragon Lee, known for his lucha libre-inspired offense. They will face Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater, two of NXT’s most promising and athletic tag team prospects. The match is expected to be a fast-paced, high-octane affair, highlighting the diverse styles present in WWE and NXT.

  • Bayley vs. Sol Ruca: The "Role Model" Bayley, a WWE Grand Slam Champion and one of the most successful female superstars of her era, will take on NXT’s Sol Ruca. Ruca has garnered significant attention for her unique athleticism, innovative offense, and rapidly growing fan base in NXT. This singles match offers Ruca a high-profile opportunity to test her skills against a seasoned veteran, while Bayley continues her role as a standard-bearer for the women’s division.

Event Details:

The historic Saturday Night’s Main Event is scheduled for:

  • Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
  • Location: Capital One Arena — Washington, D.C.
  • Start time: 8 p.m. ET
  • Watch live: Peacock (subscription required)

As John Cena prepares to step into the squared circle for the final time in active competition, the event promises to be an emotional and impactful night, closing a legendary chapter in WWE history while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the next generation of superstars.

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