After two decades of dominance, John Cena is preparing to step inside the WWE ring one final time. The 17-time world champion’s farewell tour will conclude at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025, taking place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. It promises to be one of the most emotional nights in WWE history, as fans say goodbye to one of sports entertainment’s biggest icons.
“The Last Time Is Now” Tournament to Decide Cena’s Final Opponent
WWE has confirmed that Cena’s last match opponent will be determined through a special 16-man competition called “The Last Time Is Now” tournament. The tournament began on the November 10 edition of Monday Night Raw and will continue throughout the month, featuring wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even some unexpected surprise entrants.
John Cena himself teased the lineup, saying that some participants are “stars who don’t even work here,” adding an extra layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the event.
Confirmed Tournament Participants
So far, several major WWE superstars have been announced for the bracket:
- Rusev
- Sheamus
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- The Miz
- Jey Uso
- LA Knight
- Je’Von Evans
- Gunther
- Solo Sikoa
The tournament’s opening round already produced key results — Rusev defeated Damian Priest, and Sheamus defeated Shinsuke Nakamura on the November 10 Raw. The remaining matchups, including The Miz vs. Jey Uso and LA Knight’s upcoming bout, will take place in the coming weeks.
Road to the Final Match
As the bracket narrows down through the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, fans will discover which superstar earns the honor of being John Cena’s final opponent. WWE is expected to reveal more details and surprises as the competition unfolds on Raw and SmackDown leading up to December 13.
Cena’s farewell match will be the culmination of an era — a moment for fans around the world to thank one of WWE’s greatest champions for his legendary career.
When and Where to Watch
- Event: Saturday Night’s Main Event
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
- Streaming: Available live on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network internationally
Final Thoughts
As John Cena prepares to say goodbye, WWE fans can look forward to a month-long celebration of his career, culminating in a match that will define his lasting legacy. Whether his final opponent is a long-time rival or a rising star, one thing is certain — the time is now for John Cena’s last stand in WWE.