John Cena to Step Away from WWE in December Retirement Match
WWE fans now have an official date to mark on their calendars: John Cena’s final match in the wrestling ring will take place on Saturday, December 13th. The event, part of a special edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, will stream exclusively on Peacock, marking a historic moment in the career of one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures.
The announcement comes alongside news of a renewed multi-year partnership between WWE and NBCUniversal, which will bring the classic Saturday Night’s Main Event series to Peacock on a quarterly basis. This move reflects WWE’s ongoing strategy to adapt its flagship programming to modern streaming audiences while preserving the legacy of its most beloved shows.
Details on Cena’s final opponent and the venue have not yet been revealed, but speculation suggests that the match could be held at Boston’s TD Garden. The location would pay tribute to Cena’s roots in Massachusetts and provide a fitting backdrop for the conclusion of a career that has spanned more than two decades. WWE insiders have confirmed that the event will remain in its December slot, dispelling rumors that it might be rescheduled to avoid clashing with an AEW pay-per-view.
The Saturday Night’s Main Event special will mark a significant shift in WWE broadcasting. Returning as a quarterly special in 2024, the show will now be fully accessible on Peacock, moving away from its previous broadcast simulcasts on NBC. Alongside this, Peacock will continue to host WWE Network’s extensive content library through the end of 2025. NXT premium live events will also remain available on the platform until March 2026, even as WWE prepares to shift its main roster live events to ESPN’s new streaming service next month.
John Cena’s retirement represents more than just the conclusion of a wrestling career—it signals the end of an era. Since his debut in 2002, Cena has become one of WWE’s most decorated and widely recognized superstars. With 17 world championship titles to his name, he has spent years as the face of the company, consistently carrying major storylines and drawing global attention to WWE events. Fans and critics alike have praised his work ethic, charisma, and ability to evolve as a performer over time.
This year, Cena’s farewell tour has highlighted his versatility and willingness to shake up his long-established persona. Fans witnessed his first heel turn in twenty years, as well as high-profile matchups that reinforced his status as a top-tier performer. The tour has been both a celebration of his legacy and a testament to his continued relevance in the fast-moving world of professional wrestling.
Looking ahead, Cena’s schedule includes a handful of remaining matches that serve as a prelude to his December finale. He is set to face Logan Paul at the Clash in Paris event on August 31, followed by a high-stakes bout against Brock Lesnar at WrestlePalooza on September 20. Each match adds anticipation to the upcoming retirement match and gives fans one last chance to witness Cena’s in-ring prowess.
With his retirement officially scheduled, WWE and its fanbase are preparing for a historic moment that will close a remarkable chapter in professional wrestling history. Cena’s contributions inside and outside the ring have left a lasting impression, and his final match is expected to be a spectacle befitting a career that has truly defined an era.