John Cena: A Legendary Farewell in the Ring
The wrestling world is preparing to bid farewell to one of its most emblematic figures. John Cena, the iconic WWE wrestler, announced his retirement for 2025, marking the beginning of a farewell tour that will culminate with his last match on December 13th at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Cena, who has participated part-time since 2018, plans to participate in 30 to 40 matches in 2025 to close his career with a flourish. The final event, announced by WWE, promises to be a milestone in the history of wrestling.
Key Moments of the “The Last Time Is Now” Tour
“Monday Night Raw” Finale at Madison Square Garden (November 17)
John Cena’s final “Monday Night Raw” took place at Madison Square Garden, the scene of some of his most memorable moments, such as his triumphant return and victory in the 2008 Royal Rumble and his first WWE championship at WrestleMania XX.
During his speech, Cena was interrupted by Dominik Mysterio, who snatched the Intercontinental Championship on November 10. A rematch was set for Survivor Series in San Diego, but Mysterio, with the help of Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh, attacked Cena. Sheamus and Rey Mysterio came to his aid, and together they challenged Mysterio, Bálor, and McDonagh to a six-man tag team match, which Cena, Sheamus, and Rey Mysterio won.
“Monday Night Raw” in Boston (November 10th)
In his home state of Massachusetts, Cena made history by facing Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio. Mysterio, who had held the title for 204 days, seemed to have the advantage, but Cena managed to reverse the situation with his “Attitude Adjustment” and won the match, becoming a WWE Grand Slam champion.
Crown Jewel (October 11)
In Perth, Australia, Cena faced AJ Styles in a match that marked the end of one of WWE’s most prominent rivalries. Cena used the finishing moves of several superstars, while Styles paid tribute to Shawn Michaels. Cena emerged victorious, leaving the audience chanting “Thank you, Cena”.
Wrestlepalooza (September 20th)
Cena faced Brock Lesnar, but Lesnar proved to be too much for him. Despite the defeat, the fans recognized Cena’s effort.
WWE Clash in Paris (September 1st)
In his last European match, Cena defeated Logan Paul, with an ovation from the Parisian public and his iconic “Five Knuckle Shuffle”. Cena applied a “Styles Clash” and then his “Attitude Adjustment” to secure the victory.
WWE SummerSlam (August 3rd)
Cena returned as a “babyface” and faced Cody Rhodes in a street fight. Rhodes won the WWE Championship, ending Cena’s reign, and both wrestlers shared an emotional embrace. Then, Brock Lesnar attacked Cena.
WWE Night of Champions (June 28)
Cena defeated CM Punk in a chaotic match with multiple interferences. Rollins tried to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase, but Cena prevented it and retained his title.
WWE Money in the Bank (June 7th)
Cena, alongside Logan Paul, dominated at the beginning, but a conflict in the ring allowed Rhodes and Uso to return to the match. R-Truth made a surprise appearance, and Rhodes ultimately defeated Cena.
WWE Backlash (May 10)
Cena faced Randy Orton in an action-packed encounter. Orton suffered several RKOs, and Cena won the match after hitting Orton with the belt.
WrestleMania (April 20th)
Cena faced Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cena won his 17th WWE championship, a historic record.
“Booed in Brussels” (March 17th)
Cena embraced his “heel” role with a speech against the fans, but Cody Rhodes confronted him, setting up their match at WrestleMania 41.
“Heel Turn at the Elimination Chamber” (March 1st)
Cena won his fourth Elimination Chamber match, securing a spot at WrestleMania 41. Afterwards, he betrayed Rhodes, attacking him after a handshake.
Defeat at the Royal Rumble (February 1st)
Cena was close to winning his third Royal Rumble, but Jey Uso eliminated him, surprising the wrestling world.
Goodbye to Los Angeles, Hello to Indianapolis (January 6)
Cena announced that the first “Monday Night Raw” of the year would be his last appearance in Los Angeles, and declared his intention to win his 17th world championship, which would break the tie with Ric Flair.
WWE’s Instagram post shows this moment.
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