John Cena: A Review of His Farewell Tour in WWE
The wrestling world prepares to say goodbye to a legend. John Cena, an iconic figure in the WWE, began his “retirement tour” on January 6th, marking the beginning of the end of an era. Although he has participated part-time since 2018, Cena announced in July 2024 that he expects to compete in 30 to 40 matches in 2025, culminating his career. On September 30, WWE confirmed that Cena’s last match will take place on December 13 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Cena’s opponent will be determined through the “The Last Time Is Now” tournament.Highlights of the Farewell Tour
“Monday Night Raw” final – November 17th
The last “Monday Night Raw” of Cena was held at Madison Square Garden, the scene of some of his most memorable moments in WWE, including his surprise return and victory in the 2008 Royal Rumble and his first WWE championship at Wrestlemania XX. During his speech in the ring, Dominik Mysterio interrupted Cena, after having lost the Intercontinental Championship to Cena on November 10 on “Raw”. Mysterio and Cena agreed to a rematch for the belt at Survivor Series in San Diego. However, Mysterio attacked Cena with the help of Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh. Sheamus and Rey Mysterio came to Cena’s aid.“Monday Night Raw” in Boston – November 10th
In his home state of Massachusetts, Cena made history once again. He faced Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio in a match that Triple H, WWE CCO, organized in the ring moments before. Mysterio, intercontinental champion for 204 days, seemed to be in a position to retain his title. After a 619 and a Frog Splash on Cena, he attempted the pin. However, Cena countered with his “Attitude Adjustment” and achieved victory. With this victory, Cena became the latest WWE wrestler to be a Grand Slam champion, having held all the main WWE titles (Intercontinental Championship, Tag Team Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, and United States Championship).Crown Jewel – October 11
In the last match of one of WWE’s best rivalries, Cena defeated AJ Styles in Perth, Australia. Cena and Styles used all their resources. Cena executed the finishing moves of several WWE superstars, including an RKO (Randy Orton), a Skull Crushing Finale (The Miz), and a Tombstone (The Undertaker). Styles paid tribute to Shawn Michaels with a Sweet Chin Music. Cena emerged victorious in a match that culminated with the audience chanting “Thank you, Cena” and a hug between both wrestlers. The Undertaker also expressed his approval of the match.Wrestlepalooza – September 20th
Cena faced his old rival Brock Lesnar. Although Cena applied three “Attitude Adjustments” at the beginning, Lesnar proved to be too much for him. The audience applauded Cena’s effort, and he is likely to have another chance against Lesnar in his remaining five matches.WWE Clash in Paris – September 1st
Cena made the most of his last European match, defeating Logan Paul in a very close encounter. The Parisian audience welcomed Cena with an electrifying version of his theme song and the “Five Knuckle Shuffle”. Cena used all his tactics, even applied a “Styles Clash” to Paul. After his last “Attitude Adjustment”, he fell and achieved the pin for the victory.WWE SummerSlam – August 3rd
After turning his character “heel” about five months before SummerSlam, Cena returned to being a “babyface”, running with his classic entrance before facing Cody Rhodes in a street fight.WWE Night of Champions – June 28th
Cena defeated CM Punk in a chaotic match with multiple interruptions and knocked-out referees. Punk requested a new referee, but instead, the Money in the Bank winner, Seth Rollins, appeared. Rollins arrived at the ring with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, who threw Punk against a commentary table. Rollins requested a referee to cash in his briefcase. However, Cena knocked down the new referee, which led to a face-off between the champion and Rollins.WWE Money in the Bank – June 7th
Teaming with Logan Paul against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso, Cena dominated at first, but a conflict with Paul allowed Rhodes and Uso to get back into the match.WWE Backlash – May 10th
Cena faced Randy Orton, two legendary wrestlers head-to-head for what could be the last time in their careers. Both fighters exchanged blows in a back-and-forth match, with Cena accidentally hitting a referee with the championship belt and Orton applying RKO after RKO to the intruders.As Orton prepared to finish Cena, R-Truth intervened. Orton applied an RKO, but Cena hit him with the championship belt and defeated him, winning the match.
