The WWE Universe is gearing up for one of the most emotional nights in wrestling history as John Cena’s last match is officially set. WWE and NBC have confirmed that the iconic superstar will step into the squared circle one final time at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, streaming live on Peacock.
This marks the end of a legendary two-decade career that began in 2002 on SmackDown, where a young Cena walked out with the simple message of “Ruthless Aggression” and went on to redefine sports entertainment.
A Legacy Like No Other
Over the years, Cena has built a resume that is nothing short of historic – 17-time World Champion, multiple Royal Rumble wins, five-time United States Champion, and one of the most successful WrestleMania main eventers of all time.
But his influence stretches beyond championships. From his iconic rivalries with The Rock, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar, to his “Never Give Up” mantra inspiring millions, Cena became more than a wrestler – he became a global icon.
Nostalgic Timeline of John Cena’s Career (2002–2025)
Years | Career Highlight |
---|---|
2002 | Debuts on SmackDown, answering Kurt Angle’s open challenge with “Ruthless Aggression.” |
2004 | Wins his first United States Championship at WrestleMania 20. |
2005 | Defeats JBL at WrestleMania 21 to win his first WWE Championship. |
2006–2010 | Becomes the face of WWE, feuds with Edge, Randy Orton, and Triple H. |
2011 | Starts an epic rivalry with The Rock, leading to back-to-back WrestleMania main events. |
2014–2017 | Revitalizes U.S. Title with Open Challenge, putting over rising stars. |
2018–2020 | Moves to part-time role, builds Hollywood career, delivers WrestleMania classics. |
2021 | Returns to challenge Roman Reigns at SummerSlam in a blockbuster match. |
2023–2024 | Makes special appearances, keeps fans engaged with nostalgia and passion. |
2025 | Announces retirement, ending a legendary two-decade career. |
The Final Chapter – What to Expect
The details of Cena’s opponent remain under wraps, but WWE is promising an unforgettable farewell. Will it be a clash with a rising star to pass the torch? Or a final showdown with an old rival? Either way, the stakes could not be higher.
Cena has hinted that this final battle will be about “giving back to the business that gave him everything” – and fans can expect a heartfelt goodbye from the man who carried WWE through its most transformative years.