Latest Update on John Cena’s Final WWE Match as Showdown with AEW Looms

John Cena’s swansong is set for December, marking the official end of the 17-time World Champion’s legendary career. However, details about his final opponent, and even the exact date and type of event, remain a closely guarded secret. After a brief five-month heel run, Cena has returned to his familiar babyface role at SummerSlam, making it likely that his farewell match will be against either a rising heel star or a veteran villain.

Recently, though, there’s been a notable development regarding the date of his final WWE appearance. According to veteran pro-wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Live, the company is keeping Cena’s retirement plans flexible. Originally, the promotion had planned for Cena’s final match to take place during a Saturday Night’s Main Event in early December. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. 

Originally, the final John Cena match was gonna be in early December at Saturday Night’s Main Event. This is not confirmed, but it does look like there is now a discussion that that date will be moved so it will be head-to-head with AEW Worlds End.

Bryan Alvarez via Wrestling Observer Online

WWE may be changing the planned date of John Cena's final match so it's on the same day as AEW Worlds End, which is December 27:

"Originally, the final John Cena match was gonna be in early December at Saturday Night's Main Event.

"This is not confirmed, but it does look like… pic.twitter.com/H6sNLxiUTC

— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) August 13, 2025

For the unversed, AEW Worlds End is currently scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025. While it’s not on the same level as All In or Forbidden Door, it’s still considered one of AEW’s bigger pay-per-view events. Moreover, WWE currently has no premium live event planned for December, so it’s unclear whether Cena’s match would take place on a PLE or if SNME would be aired later.

As of now, John Cena has just 11 dates left on his farewell tour. His final opponent is still a mystery, with names like Gunther and AJ Styles in the conversation. The recent return of Brock Lesnar has added even more intrigue. Rumors suggest Cena and Lesnar could clash in September, with that match potentially taking place at a yet-to-be-announced premium live event in Indianapolis on Sept. 20, he same day as AEW’s All Out pay-per-view.

Moreover, Lesnar has also popped up in WWE’s advertising for upcoming shows. He’s the only featured face on the graphics for the Sept. 12 SmackDown in Norfolk, Virginia, and the following Friday’s possible PLE go-home show in Toledo, Ohio. This certainly doesn’t hurt the speculation that ‘The Beast’ will be part of the Sept. 20 card.

Brock Lesnar is now being advertised for SmackDown on the following dates:

• September 12
• September 19 pic.twitter.com/JmLd10pEaZ

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) August 13, 2025

Cena, however, isn’t currently advertised for either of those SmackDown dates. He will still be active after facing Logan Paul at Clash in Paris. He’s listed for the Sept. 5 SmackDown in Chicago, as well as a possible PLE go-home Raw in Massachusetts.

Bully Ray suggests bringing Vince McMahon back for John Cena’s final WWE outing

WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has floated the idea that Vince McMahon could return to bid John Cena farewell in his final appearance on his retirement tour. As mentioned before, the 17-time world champion is set to compete in his swansong this December at an undisclosed event, which will mark the end of his storied career. 

On the other hand, McMahon hasn’t appeared on WWE television since 2022, amid an ongoing lawsuit involving the company’s former chairman. For the unversed, former employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against McMahon, alleging trafficking and assault. The 79-year-old initially retired from WWE in July 2022 following misconduct allegations but returned as chairman in January 2023. 

Grant’s lawsuit later led to his permanent departure, as he resigned as executive chairman of TKO Group Holdings in January 2024. Speaking on SiriusXM Busted Open Radio, Ray reflected on how emotional Cena’s send-off could be.

Cena’s last match will be in Boston, or his last appearance will be in Boston. People will be crying their eyes out over John’s retirement. It’s going to be a very emotional night. People will be very happy, tears of joy, a little bit of sadness. Vince is the guy who gave Cena his opportunity….John and Vince have remained friends through everything.

Bully Ray via Busted Open Radio

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Despite the ongoing case, Cena and McMahon have maintained a close friendship. They were even spotted having dinner together a month after the first allegations surfaced. Moreover, their bond goes back decades, with McMahon positioning Cena as the face of WWE during the Ruthless Aggression Era. 

If Vince were to come out in that moment to give John his final farewell, I think the people would like to see that or would embrace it. Because it was Vince McMahon’s WWE that John Cena was the face of. He was the face of Ruthless Aggression, the biggest babyface in the company during Vince McMahon’s time. I think they can ride that wave.

Bully Ray via Busted Open Radio

As of now, there is no indication WWE plans to bring McMahon back for Cena’s final appearance. The company has rightly kept its distance from the former chairman during the lawsuit, but after Lesnar’s shocking return at SummerSlam, nothing can be said for sure.  

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