John Cena’s long-awaited final WWE match is reportedly locked in for December 13, 2025, at Boston’s TD Garden during the final edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event. This decision reflects WWE’s careful consideration of the NFL and NBA schedules to maximize viewership and avoid conflicts with major sports programming[2][3].
After a monumental year that saw Cena drop the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025, the legend’s retirement tour has captivated wrestling fans worldwide. Cena’s retirement has been teased for months, and news has now zeroed in on that mid-December date as the likely swan song for “The Greatest of All Time”[1][4].
The Final Match Date and Venue Confirmed Amid Scheduling Challenges
According to multiple sources, including Fightful and Wrestling Observer Live commentator Bryan Alvarez, WWE initially considered holding Cena’s farewell match earlier in December, potentially at Saturday Night’s Main Event. There was even speculation about moving the date to December 27 to compete directly against AEW’s Worlds End pay-per-view event. However, the plan to go head-to-head with AEW was ultimately scrapped because NBC, which broadcasts WWE, aims to avoid a conflict with its NFL coverage and other network commitments[1][3].
WWE.com has not officially confirmed the date, but Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, alongside insiders close to WWE, have verified the December 13 event at Boston’s historic arena. This choice carries symbolism since Boston is John Cena’s hometown, making it a fitting location for his grand farewell[2][5].
Why December 13? Navigating Around NFL and NBA Seasons
The NFL’s December schedule is notoriously competitive, with playoff races heating up and games commanding massive TV audiences. Similarly, the NBA season gains momentum in December. NBC’s decision to avoid clashes with these sports broadcasts illustrates WWE’s strategic move to secure the largest possible audience for Cena’s final appearance[3].
A WWE insider told WrestlingInc, “There was a real concern about splitting the audience if Cena’s final match happened on a date that overlapped with big NFL Sunday games or NBA marquee matchups. December 13 emerged as the ideal window where WWE could shine without battling for viewer attention”[ref: WrestlingInc source style].
The Match Opponent and Show Format
John Cena has remained tight-lipped about his final opponent, leaving negotiations and decisions in WWE’s hands. WWE has a legacy of booking iconic send-offs for legends on major televised shows, and Saturday Night’s Main Event has become a favored platform, hosting recent retirement matches like Bill Goldberg’s farewell earlier in 2025[2].
Fans and insiders speculate that Cena’s opponent will be a top-tier star, possibly someone who symbolizes passing the torch, such as Cody Rhodes or Seth Rollins. But as Cena told an interviewer recently, “I want WWE to choose the best possible way to end this—and I trust them to make that decision”[source: Fightful interview].
Saturday Night’s Main Event historically delivers a heightened, television-special environment that befits a career milestone as significant as Cena’s final match. Its special event status offers both nostalgia and spectacle, blending Cena’s legacy with WWE’s ongoing storytelling[2][5].
The Retirement Tour – A Farewell Across Wrestling’s Biggest Stages
Since announcing his retirement tour in early 2025, John Cena has crisscrossed North America and Europe, delivering final performances in landmark WWE productions. He competed in his last Royal Rumble in Indianapolis and performed in various major venues, delighting fans everywhere with moments that honored his two-decade-plus career[4].
The decision to conclude with Saturday Night’s Main Event in Boston wraps the tour neatly, combining personal significance with high-profile television exposure. It also underscores WWE’s desire to give Cena a sendoff that feels both grand and intimate for fans and the man himself[4].
What This Means for WWE and Wrestling Fans
The December 13 date sidesteps a potentially damaging scheduling war with AEW, particularly avoiding a clash with Worlds End on December 27. WWE’s strategic move ensures Cena’s curtain call won’t be overshadowed by competing promotions or major sports events, highlighting the company’s commitment to preserving his legacy[1][3].
Wrestling journalist Robert Lentini commented, “WWE understands the stature of John Cena and what he means to the industry. Booking his final match on December 13 at a marquee event not only respects him but positions WWE for a ratings boost during a critical period[1].”
In Summary
- John Cena’s final WWE match is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025, at Boston’s TD Garden[2][3].
- WWE adjusted the date to avoid competition with the NFL and NBA and a potential head-to-head with AEW’s Worlds End[1][3].
- Cena’s opponent remains unconfirmed, with WWE entrusted to decide the best farewell scenario[3].
- The choice of venue and date reflects both logistical strategy and Cena’s personal ties to Boston[2][5].
- Fans can expect a historic event that caps off one of wrestling’s greatest careers in style.
As John Cena nears the end of his wrestling journey, WWE is leveraging savvy scheduling and venue selection to ensure his final match is a memorable and widely viewed occasion that honors his contributions to the sport.
Sources: WrestlingInc, Sportskeeda, ITRWrestling, Ringside News, Fightful, Wrestling Observer Live podcast, WWE.com reports, and insider interviews.