John Cena Reiterates His Final WWE Match Will Be on December 13, 2025 Amidst Rumors of Returning in the Future

With less than two months left for his retirement match, John Cena shuts down rumors of returning to the ring again after his swansong.

John Cena Reiterates His Final WWE Match Will Be on December 13, 2025 Amidst Rumors of Returning in the Future

John Cena and Gunther (via WWE)

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John Cena’s legendary 23-year WWE career is nearing its end, with his final match set for December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event inside Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena. After 17 world championships and countless unforgettable moments, the face of WWE is officially hanging up his boots. And given how unpredictable his retirement tour has been, fans have truly been on a wild ride.

However, wrestling retirements are often anything but final, as history is full of such examples. Take Ric Flair, who had one of the most emotional farewells ever at WrestleMania 24 against Shawn Michaels, only to return to the ring two years later in TNA. 

Even The Nature Boy’s last match came in 2022, tagging with Andrade against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal, 14 years after his supposed retirement. Similarly, Michaels broke his 2010 retirement for a one-off return at Crown Jewel 2018, teaming with Triple H against The Undertaker and Kane in a match many fans would rather forget.

Because of examples like these, fans have wondered whether Cena’s retirement will truly stick. With WrestleMania 42 on the horizon and WrestleMania 43 set for Saudi Arabia in 2027, speculation has run rampant that he might lace up his sneakers again someday.

But Cena himself has now shut down all rumors. Taking to X, the 17-time world champion made it clear that December 13, 2025, will indeed be his final night inside a WWE ring.

Despite any speculation or rumors, on July 6, 2024, I announced I would retire from WWE in-ring participation. I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match. I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time.

John Cena via X

Cena first made his retirement announcement at Money in the Bank 2024 in Canada, where he surprised fans with the emotional reveal. And while it’s bittersweet to see him go, his farewell tour has been nothing short of spectacular.

His heel run reignited classic rivalries with Randy Orton and CM Punk, delivering some of his best work yet, including a five-star SummerSlam rematch with Cody Rhodes, only the second five-star match of his storied career. If Saturday Night’s Main Event truly marks Cena’s final bow, fans can rest assured that it will be a night worthy of the legend’s incredible legacy.

John Cena reportedly planned to go over Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series

As reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dominik Mysterio is expected to defend his Intercontinental Championship against John Cena at Survivor Series on November 29 in San Diego. The bout could prove historic, offering Cena the chance to capture the only major WWE title missing from his legendary career.

Dominik Mysterio and John Cena
Dominik Mysterio and John Cena (via WWE)

Throughout his two-decade run, Cena has done it all– 17 World Championships, 5 United States titles, and multiple tag team reigns. Yet, the Intercontinental Championship has always escaped him, leaving one final gap in his otherwise iconic resume. Winning it in Mysterio’s hometown would make him a Grand Slam Champion, the perfect milestone before closing the curtain on an unparalleled career.

Following his instant classic against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel in Perth, this could be one of the standout moments for the Boston native. However, there has been some concern among fans about Cena potentially defeating a young star who still has his entire career ahead of him. 

Despite that, WWE reportedly plans to pull the trigger and have Cena walk out as champion on November 29. In a follow-up report, Meltzer has noted the following. 

The idea of Cena winning the IC title from Dominik (the match right now is at Survivor Series) and it being in play for the final match with Gunther has been discussed.

Dave Meltzer via WON

The WON report further indicates that Cena’s final opponent is still expected to be Gunther, with their matchup serving as a passing of the torch moment for the Intercontinental Championship. If the plan holds, Cena could enter his farewell match holding the title, only to put over the dominant Austrian in a fitting final act to end his career.

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