WWE ring announcer Mark Nash publicly expressed his heartfelt gratitude to John Cena following the WWE SmackDown episode on September 5, 2025, in Chicago — which marked Cena’s final appearance on the blue brand. Nash’s statement highlighted the unique honor and career milestone of introducing one of wrestling’s greatest icons, dubbing it a “once in a lifetime opportunity” that he will cherish forever[1].
Speaking via social media shortly after the show, Nash reflected on his experience introducing John Cena, who he described as “The Greatest of All Time” and “The Never Seen Seventeen” — referencing Cena’s record 17 world championship reigns. Nash noted that while he has introduced many world title fights in boxing, nothing compares to the prestige and lasting memory of introducing Cena on WWE’s global stage:
“Thank you @johncena for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ve been in the ring to introduce World Title Fights in boxing, but this is easily one of the most memorable & iconic introductions that I will carry with me forever. The past couple of months having the privilege of introducing The Greatest of All Time, The Never Seen Seventeen on Friday Night SmackDown has truly been an honor! Thank you.”[1]
This public gratitude came as part of what WWE only recently announced as John Cena’s farewell tour, a carefully curated send-off celebrating his unparalleled career and impact. According to sources like WWE.com and Fightful, Cena’s final WWE match is reportedly scheduled for December 2025 in Washington, DC, instead of the highly anticipated but logistically complicated Boston event previously rumored[3]. The intent from WWE and its parent company TKO Group Holdings is to stage Cena’s last match as a major destination event, accompanied by fan experiences such as an Undertaker one-man show and special tapings like Saturday Night’s Main Event[3].
Backstage sources close to WWE have revealed to Wrestling Headlines that John Cena’s retirement tour has been treated with tremendous respect and attention to detail internally. Mark Nash, who has served as SmackDown’s ring announcer for several years, was personally asked to introduce Cena each week, turning what might seem like a routine role into a significant ceremonial one. A WWE insider shared:
“Mark was thrilled to be part of this historic moment. Introducing Cena every week gave him a spotlight moment he’ll remember forever. It’s rare for a ring announcer to become part of such an iconic farewell run.”[1]
Fans and fellow WWE talent have reacted positively to Nash’s tribute post, many echoing the sentiment that Cena’s influence transcends the ring. Tweets and posts have highlighted the special bond and respect between the announcer and the superstar, with many pointing to Cena’s ability to elevate everyone around him.
The September 5 SmackDown also marked the last time audiences would witness Cena on the blue brand before his farewell tour culminates in December. Over the past few months, WWE has used Cena’s appearances to pay homage to his two-decade career, often showcasing classic moments alongside live promos addressing his legacy.
Industry analysts have noted that WWE’s choice of Mark Nash for Cena’s introductions helped deepen the emotional resonance of Cena’s send-off. Nash’s clear appreciation and powerful delivery added a unique layer of gravitas to each episode. Moreover, combining Nash’s boxing announcing background with WWE’s presentation style created a hybrid introduction that emphasized Cena’s “Greatest of All Time” status in sports entertainment.
The combination of Cena’s farewell tour and Nash’s memorable introductions also serves WWE’s broader strategy to build business momentum heading into the holiday season and beyond. With the finalized plans for the December finale in Washington, DC, WWE is poised to attract fans from across the country, capitalizing on the star power of Cena’s departure and additional showcase events.
Meanwhile, rumors continue about which legends and current stars might appear alongside Cena during the farewell events. Sources indicate that WWE talent and even some AEW stars are expected to pay tribute, making the December weekend a historic celebration of wrestling’s present and past.
In summary, Mark Nash’s statement following John Cena’s final SmackDown appearance encapsulates the reverence held for one of WWE’s most decorated champions. Nash’s acknowledgment of a “once in a lifetime opportunity” reinforces the special status Cena holds, not only in the eyes of fans but among WWE insiders and personnel. As Cena’s retirement tour moves toward its grand finale, the reverberations of his legacy and those special moments created by people like Nash will remain a lasting part of WWE history[1][3][4].
Reported by [Your Name], WWE News Specialist
Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, NoDQ, Wrestling Headlines, WrestleTalk, insider interviews and social media statements.