Today marks the end of an era as John Cena steps into the ring for his final match, capping off a legendary wrestling career that has spanned over two decades. But here's where it gets emotional: after a yearlong farewell tour dubbed 'The Last Time is Now,' Cena is officially hanging up his boots. So, where can you catch this historic moment? Let’s dive in.
John Cena’s journey in WWE began in 2002, and since then, he’s become a 17-time world champion—a record that cements his status as one of wrestling’s all-time greats. While he’s transitioned into a successful acting career, most notably as Peacemaker in the DC Comics universe, Cena’s roots in the ring remain his defining legacy. At 48, he’s returning to the squared circle one last time, and fans are eager to witness history.
And this is the part most people miss: Cena’s final opponent wasn’t just chosen—he was earned. A 16-man tournament, aptly named 'The Last Time is Now Tournament,' determined who would face Cena in his last match. The winner? None other than former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, setting the stage for a clash of titans.
The event, 'Saturday Night’s Main Event,' kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 13, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Cena and Gunther will headline the show, but the card is packed with other high-profile matches, including Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion) vs. Oba Femi (NXT Champion), AJ Styles & Dragon Lee (World Tag Team Champions) vs. Je'Von Evans and Leon Slater, and Bayley vs. Sol Ruca.
But here's where it gets controversial: watching the event isn’t as straightforward as you’d think. In the U.S., the only way to stream it is through Peacock, which starts at $10.99 per month for the premium plan. International viewers, however, can catch it on YouTube. Notably, the show won’t air on NBC, the traditional home of 'Saturday Night’s Main Event,' or on Netflix, where WWE’s 'Monday Night Raw' is available. This streaming exclusivity has sparked debates among fans about accessibility and the future of wrestling broadcasts.
Thought-provoking question: Is Peacock’s exclusivity a smart business move or a barrier for longtime WWE fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
For those ready to tune in, here’s the full match card:
- John Cena vs. Gunther
- Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion) vs. Oba Femi (NXT Champion)
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee (World Tag Team Champions) vs. Je'Von Evans and Leon Slater
- Bayley vs. Sol Ruca
As we say goodbye to one of wrestling’s greatest icons, one thing’s for sure: John Cena’s final match will be a night to remember. Don’t miss it!