John Cena’s Farewell: A Look Back at the Icon’s Final WWE Showdown
The era of John Cena in the WWE is drawing to a close. After an illustrious career spanning over two decades and more than 2,000 matches, the wrestling icon is set to step into the ring for his final WWE appearance tonight during “Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII.” This momentous occasion marks the end of a chapter for one of the most recognizable and impactful figures in professional wrestling history.
The Road to the Final Match: A Tournament of Significance
In the lead-up to Cena’s swansong, WWE orchestrated a special “The Last Time is Now Tournament.” This month-long competition was designed to determine Cena’s ultimate opponent, adding another layer of narrative to his farewell. Competitors battled through the ranks, with NXT’s Je’Von Evans, Carmelo Hayes, and Solo Sikoa all falling by the wayside. The culmination of this tournament has set the stage for a highly anticipated clash between John Cena and “The Ring General,” Gunther.
Key Details for “Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII”
For fans eager to witness John Cena’s final WWE performance, here’s what you need to know:
- When: December 13th, starting at 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Capital One Arena, located in Washington D.C.
- How to Watch: The event will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.
A Legacy of Championships and Accomplishments
John Cena’s announcement of his retirement from WWE came during the 2024 Money in the Bank event, sending ripples through the wrestling community. His WWE career, which officially kicked off in 2001, is adorned with an unparalleled list of accolades.
- WWE Championship: Cena holds the record for the most reigns, capturing the prestigious belt an incredible 14 times.
- WWE United States Championship: He has held this title on four separate occasions.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Cena has also claimed this championship once.
Beyond these individual titles, Cena has achieved the coveted “Triple Crown” status, which requires holding a world championship, another major singles championship, and a tag team championship. Furthermore, just months ago, he completed the “Grand Slam,” a feat requiring the capture of four distinct championships within WWE. These achievements underscore his sustained dominance and versatility throughout his long and storied career.
The Final Opponent: Gunther’s Perspective
The man tasked with facing John Cena in his last WWE match is the formidable Austrian wrestler, Gunther, widely known as “The Ring General.” Ahead of this historic encounter, Gunther shared his thoughts, stating, “I’m expecting nothing less than the best John Cena that there is right now.” This sentiment highlights the respect between the two competitors and the high stakes of the match, as Gunther aims to test Cena at his absolute best for one last time.
How to Stream John Cena’s Final Match
For viewers in the United States, “Saturday Night’s Main Event” is an exclusive offering on Peacock. This means a Peacock subscription is necessary to tune in.
- Peacock Subscription Costs:
- $10.99 per month with advertisements.
- $16.99 per month for an ad-free experience.
- Annual Plans: Peacock also offers discounted annual subscriptions, priced at $109.99 with ads and $169.99 ad-free.
While Peacock does not typically offer a free trial when subscribing directly, there is an option to experience it for free for seven days by signing up through Amazon Prime Video.
Clarification on Broadcast Channels
It’s important to note that “Saturday Night’s Main Event” will not be available on ESPN or ESPN Unlimited, despite WWE’s recent move to broadcast some of its programming on ESPN platforms earlier this year. The exclusive streaming home for this event remains Peacock.
Additional Matches on the “Saturday Night’s Main Event” Card
Beyond the highly anticipated retirement match, the “Saturday Night’s Main Event” broadcast on December 11th promises a full slate of exciting matchups:
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi: A clash of champions from different divisions.
- World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans & TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater: A high-octane tag team encounter.
- Bayley vs. Sol Ruca: A compelling women’s singles match.
This lineup ensures that “Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII” will be a night filled with action and memorable moments, culminating in the farewell of a true WWE legend.