It’s official: NBC has confirmed that John Cena’s retirement match will take place on Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, December 13, 2025. For wrestling fans across generations, the announcement marks both a celebration and a heartbreak. Cena, one of the most iconic superstars in WWE history, is preparing to step into the ring for one final showdown — closing the chapter on a two-decade-long career that has defined an era.
The network confirmed the blockbuster event during its sports programming lineup on Thursday, and within minutes, social media exploded with reactions. Hashtags like #ThankYouCena and #YouCantSeeMe trended worldwide, as fans expressed excitement, nostalgia, and sadness all at once. “We are so NOT ready,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the sentiment of millions who grew up with Cena as their hero.
For many, Cena isn’t just a wrestler; he’s a cultural figure. Since debuting in WWE in 2002, the “Doctor of Thuganomics” rose to fame with his chain gang persona before transforming into the clean-cut face of the company. Over the years, Cena amassed 16 world championships, tying Ric Flair’s record, and became the backbone of WWE programming during its transition into the modern entertainment era. His catchphrases — “Never Give Up,” “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect,” and, of course, “You Can’t See Me” — became more than slogans; they were rallying cries for a global fanbase.
The decision to stage Cena’s farewell at Saturday Night’s Main Event is itself a symbolic nod to history. Once a flagship NBC program that ran from 1985 to 1992, Saturday Night’s Main Event brought wrestling into the mainstream. Its revival for Cena’s swan song feels like a full-circle moment, bridging WWE’s golden past with its modern dominance. For NBC, it’s also a ratings dream — the guaranteed attention of millions of nostalgic fans tuning in to say goodbye.
As of now, WWE and NBC have not revealed Cena’s opponent, but speculation is rampant. Some believe it could be a dream match against an all-time great like Randy Orton, his longtime rival, or perhaps a symbolic passing-of-the-torch match against a younger star like Cody Rhodes or Austin Theory. Whoever stands across the ring from Cena will carry the weight of history on their shoulders.
Beyond wrestling, Cena’s career has extended into Hollywood, where he has become a household name through blockbuster movies and television. Yet even as his acting career soared, Cena frequently returned to WWE, refusing to let go of the squared circle that made him famous. His farewell match, then, isn’t just a goodbye to wrestling — it’s a thank-you to the fans who stuck with him during every chapter of his life.
As December 13 approaches, anticipation will only grow. For many fans, Cena has been a constant — a hero to cheer, a star to boo, a figure who shaped childhoods and inspired millions. To see him wrestle for the last time will be an emotional night, not only for the WWE Universe but for Cena himself.
Because in the end, John Cena’s career has always been about connection. And while his opponents may not have been able to see him, fans always did — and always will.
