The Final Bell: John Cena Bids Farewell in Epic WWE Showdown at Saturday Night’s Main Event
After more than two decades of defining an era in professional wrestling, John Cena is set to step into the ring for the very last time. The 17-time world champion, beloved as the “Face of WWE” and a symbol of hustle, loyalty, and respect, will lace up his boots one final time on December 13 at the Capital One Arena during the revived Saturday Night’s Main Event.
This isn’t just a match—it’s the culmination of a year-long odyssey dubbed “The Last Time Is Now,” a retirement tour that has captivated millions and left an indelible mark on sports entertainment.
Cena’s journey to this poignant endpoint began in January 2025, when he announced his departure from in-ring competition—a decision he described as both heartbreaking and inevitable. In a recent candid interview with podcaster Bill Simmons, the 48-year-old superstar opened up about the physical toll of the sport he loves. “My body hurts, I’m a step slower,” Cena admitted, reflecting on the relentless demands of WWE’s grueling schedule.
“I promised myself and the fanbase… when I’m a step slower, I’m out.” Despite the ache of leaving behind the electric energy of live crowds—”it’s just a different energy”—Cena insisted this farewell is non-negotiable. “I want to do it forever,” he said, but the reality of age in a contact sport compelled him to draw the line.
What began as Cena’s vision for an expansive 220-date tour was scaled back by WWE to a more focused 36 appearances, allowing the company to weave his exit into its storytelling fabric. Highlights included his final WrestleMania bout and an emotional homecoming in Boston.
Yet, true to WWE’s dramatic flair, Cena’s ultimate opponent wasn’t handed to him on a silver platter. Enter The Last Time Is Now Tournament, a high-stakes bracket that has pitted the roster’s elite against one another for the honor—and burden—of being the man to “retire” the GOAT.
The tournament kicked off with fireworks: GUNTHER, the stoic Austrian powerhouse and Intercontinental Champion, steamrolled Solo Sikoa on the December 1 episode of Raw. Meanwhile, the charismatic LA Knight, hailing from nearby Hagerstown, Maryland, outshone Jey Uso in a crowd-pleasing upset. Semifinals saw surprises, including The Miz’s opportunistic return after Sheamus’ injury-forced withdrawal, but the field narrowed swiftly.
Then all eyes turned to SmackDown where Knight and GUNTHER collided in the finals. The victor earned a spotlight under the brightest lights, facing Cena in what promises to be a clash of eras.
Cena has emphasized that Saturday Night’s Main Event won’t be a rote tribute to the past; instead, it will spotlight emerging stars, ensuring his legacy bridges generations.
“I suggested… dedicate the rest of the show to the future,” he told Jimmy Kimmel this week, underscoring his commitment to WWE’s next chapter. Fans skeptical of yet another “final” bow—given wrestling’s history of unretirements—received a stern warning from Cena: “After the 13th is going to be weird because you’re not going to have the closure you want.”
The buzz extends beyond the mat. Even the Washington Capitals are getting in on the action, selling limited-edition “Last Time Is Now” T-shirts featuring Cena’s iconic hand gesture alongside a “LET’S GO CAPS!” towel—a nod to his signature ring towel toss. Speculation swirls about celebrity sightings, with former World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins confirming he’ll attend alongside wife Becky Lynch. And in a surreal twist, WWE’s Logan Paul hinted at the possibility of President-elect Donald Trump making an appearance, potentially adding political flair to the spectacle.
As the clock ticks down, Cena remains resolute, predicting a seismic shift for WWE post-retirement.
“The company is in great hands,” he told Newsweek, forecasting a surge in creativity and star power. Yet for Cenation—the devoted legion of fans who’ve chanted “Let’s Go Cena!” through highs and lows—this is more than a prediction; it’s a goodbye to the man who carried WWE through the Ruthless Aggression and PG eras, racking up records while starring in blockbusters like The Marine and Peacemaker.
Whether GUNTHER’s chops echo through the arena or Cena rides off into the sunset with one last victory, one thing is certain: December 13 will ring down the curtain on a career that’s as much cultural phenomenon as wrestling dynasty.
Tune in to witness history—and perhaps catch a towel in the crowd. Thank you, Cena. The time was now.
