Nic Nemeth Reveals How Vince McMahon Salvaged His MSG Bout with John Cena Back in December 2012

Ahead of his impending retirement, Nic Nemeth reveals a story with Vince McMahon paying a hefty fine to save a bout at MSG against John Cena.

Nic Nemeth Reveals How Vince McMahon Salvaged His MSG Bout with John Cena Back in December 2012

Vince McMahon and John Cena [via- WWE]

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While Vince McMahon’s legacy may forever be clouded by his recent legal troubles, there is no denying that the former WWE CEO lived and breathed professional wrestling. His unmatched passion for the business led many fans to believe that McMahon would have booked John Cena’s farewell tour better than anyone else. 

While one may never know for sure, former World Champion Nic Nemeth recently shared an incredible story involving both Cena and McMahon that perfectly captures that passion. Cena is officially set to retire on December 13th later this year, with just four shows left on his year-long farewell tour. 

As the end draws near, several of his former rivals have reflected on their time working with the 17-time World Champion, and Nemeth’s story stands out for a very special reason. During an appearance on KVIA ABC-7, Nemeth recalled one of his favorite matches with Cena that was actually never even aired on TV. 

The match took place at Madison Square Garden on December 27, 2012, as part of WWE’s annual holiday live event. It was a steel cage match inside the world’s most famous arena, but there was one major catch: the duo had just eight minutes to finish before MSG’s strict curfew kicked in. Missing that curfew would have cost WWE a staggering $500,000 fine, something both Cena and Nemeth were well aware of.

Here’s the best part. There is a curfew with MSG, and if you don’t hit that curfew, the building becomes a half of a million dollars more. We’re down to the main event with the steel cage, and there’s eight minutes until — after this, it’s a half of a million dollars on Vince’s tab.

Nic Nemeth via KVIA ABC-7

Despite the risk of a massive financial penalty, McMahon reportedly told the two stars to go out and give the fans everything they had, even if it meant paying the fine. In the end, the match went for nearly 30 minutes, and McMahon personally covered the $500,000 cost.

I’m like, ‘What are we doing, we can’t shortchange these guys?’ He went, ‘Absolutely not, we’re going.’ Talked to the boss, boss goes, ‘Give them their money’s worth.’ We went out there for 30 minutes.

Nic Nemeth via KVIA ABC-7

Between 2010 and 2015, Cena and Nemeth clashed in six singles matches, including their memorable ladder match at TLC 2012, where Cena was shockingly betrayed by AJ Lee. Their final encounter came on the October 12, 2015 episode of WWE Raw. 

Nemeth, who was released from WWE in September 2023 after a 19-year run, continues to speak fondly of his time in the company, especially moments like this that showcased McMahon’s dedication to the fans. 

As for Cena, he’s set to make one final appearance at Madison Square Garden as an active performer on the November 17 episode of Raw, bringing his legendary career full circle at the very arena where McMahon once paid half a million dollars to let him give the crowd their money’s worth.

Nic Nemeth gives his picks for John Cena’s final WWE opponents

As confirmed, John Cena has just four dates left on his farewell tour before officially retiring on December 13th. His next appearance is set for Monday Night Raw in his home state of Boston on November 10th. Recently, Cena delivered an instant classic against AJ Styles at the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event in Perth. 

It was a thrilling, nostalgia-filled bout that featured callbacks to their iconic past encounters and tributes to legends such as Sting, Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt, and The Undertaker. With the finish line in sight, fans and wrestlers alike have been buzzing about who should be Cena’s final opponent. 

Batista and John Cena
Batista and John Cena (via Getty, HBO, and WWE)

Among those sharing their thoughts is Nic Nemeth, who made a few surprising suggestions during his appearance on KVIA ABC-7. Nemeth proposed that Cena should face Matt Cardona (formerly Zack Ryder) at the upcoming Raw in Madison Square Garden, while also suggesting that Batista, a fellow Washington D.C. native, could be the perfect choice for Cena’s final match in the nation’s capital.

I know there’s a Madison Square Garden match, I wouldn’t mind seeing Zack Ryder or Matt Cardona show up for New York. When they get to D.C., maybe Batista. Who knows, it could be anybody from the past or someone new. When it comes to his legacy and his career, you can do a year and not get to anybody.

Nic Nemeth via KVIA ABC-7

While it’s not yet confirmed whether Cena will wrestle on both of his remaining Raw dates, speculation continues to swirl. As of now, Cena’s final four scheduled appearances are:

  • November 10: Raw in Boston
  • November 17: Raw at Madison Square Garden
  • Survivor Series on November 29th in San Diego
  • Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th in Washington, D.C.

Reports suggest that Cena is expected to face Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series for the Intercontinental title, while Gunther is rumored to be his opponent at Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

With possibly only four matches left in his legendary career, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the final chapter of Cena’s story unfolds, and who will have the honor of stepping into the ring with him one last time.

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