The countdown to John Cena’s retirement from WWE is reaching a poignant milestone as sources within the company now expect this Friday’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on September 5, 2025, to be the 17-time world champion’s final appearance on the blue brand. This momentous event is scheduled to take place in Chicago at the Allstate Arena—a venue that is deeply significant in Cena’s illustrious career and storied WWE history[1][2][3][4].

According to reports from WrestleVotes and multiple wrestling news outlets, WWE insiders are “quietly expecting” that Cena will not return to SmackDown after this show due to his dwindling schedule, with only seven appearances remaining on his farewell tour and just two dates yet to be announced. The remaining events on Cena’s retirement itinerary, including high-profile matches like the Crown Jewel Perth in October and Survivor Series WarGames in November, are not slated for SmackDown, making this Friday night’s show the bookend to an unparalleled WWE run[1][2][3].

A Full-Circle Moment at Allstate Arena

This upcoming SmackDown carries profound symbolism for Cena and WWE fans alike: the Allstate Arena in Chicago is the very site where Cena made his WWE main roster debut on June 27, 2002. That night, he famously responded to Kurt Angle’s open challenge, proclaiming his now-legendary phrase, “ruthless aggression,” which would become synonymous with his competitive spirit and enduring legacy[1][2][4]. Ending his SmackDown appearances in the same building where it all began offers a poetic and historic closure to Cena’s journey on the blue brand.

WWE officials and insiders point out that this final Friday Night SmackDown appearance will not be just a simple goodbye but a celebration of Cena’s nearly quarter-century impact on professional wrestling. Fans can anticipate tributes, appearances from notable WWE personalities, and possibly significant storyline developments to honor Cena’s career[3][4].

Farewell Tour Continues Beyond SmackDown

While this Friday might mark John Cena’s last SmackDown show, it is not the final chapter in his WWE journey. Cena’s retirement tour, branded as “The Last Time Is Now,” continues through late 2025. He is scheduled to compete in marquee events such as Crown Jewel Perth on October 11 and Survivor Series WarGames on November 29, with his ultimate retirement match set for the Saturday Night’s Main Event special in December[1][3].

Notably, Cena recently wrestled Logan Paul in a well-received match at Clash in Paris, continuing to showcase his in-ring prowess even as his farewell tour progresses. Reports have also indicated matches against storied rivals like Brock Lesnar, expected around mid-September at an event dubbed Wrestlepalooza, highlighting that Cena’s final performances will be memorable and high-profile occasions[1][3][5].

Backstage Perspectives and Industry Reflections

Sources close to WWE expressed that the company is meticulously planning Cena’s farewell, ensuring that fans experience the gravity of this era coming to an end. According to a WWE insider, “John Cena’s impact on the industry transcends generations. His final SmackDown appearance, especially in Chicago, is more than an anniversary—it’s a historic moment for WWE and wrestling fans worldwide. WWE wants to honor that legacy properly.” These sentiments reflect the esteem with which WWE holds Cena and their commitment to providing a fitting sendoff[3].

Moreover, longtime colleagues and wrestling legends have publicly acknowledged Cena’s influence on and off the ring during his farewell appearances. WrestleVotes’ report mentioned Kurt Angle, whose 2002 challenge ignited Cena’s main roster rise, recently expressing a wish to face Cena once more in this retirement tour, underscoring the respect Cena commands among peers[2].

What to Expect on Friday Night SmackDown

Fans tuning in to SmackDown on September 5 can expect a show imbued with nostalgia, emotion, and the electric energy that follows Cena. Given the historic venue and the significance of the occasion, speculation swirls about special guest appearances and segments paying tribute to Cena’s unmatched career. Additionally, the return of other fan favorites like CM Punk from Chicago could add to this landmark episode’s impact[4].

Industry insiders speculate that the event could feature heartfelt promos, video packages chronicling Cena’s journey, and possibly surprise appearances by former rivals and allies, making for a potent combination of celebration and farewell. WWE’s acknowledgment of Cena’s final SmackDown is expected to reinforce his standing as one of the greatest in wrestling history[4].

Looking Ahead to Cena’s Final Match

Even as the wrestling community processes the bittersweet news of Cena’s SmackDown farewell, attention will soon shift to his final match currently scheduled for the Saturday Night’s Main Event in December. This will be the definitive end of a career that reshaped WWE’s modern era. Fans, analysts, and insiders alike eagerly anticipate how WWE will script this finale and who Cena’s final opponent will be, cementing the close of an extraordinary legacy[1][3].

In summary, John Cena’s anticipated final appearance on WWE SmackDown this Friday is a moment of historic importance—curating a full-circle moment at the Allstate Arena where his main roster journey began over two decades ago. As the torch slowly passes on, WWE and fans alike are preparing to honor a career defined by excellence, dedication, and an indelible mark on professional wrestling.

For continuous updates on John Cena’s farewell tour and all WWE news, stay connected with WWE.com, Fightful, and Podcasts covering behind-the-scenes wrestling insights.