Credit: WWE.com
John Cena is poised to make what many insiders believe will be his final appearance on WWE SmackDown, coming full circle at the very venue where his storied WWE career began Chicago’s Allstate Arena. This momentous event is scheduled for the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown, marking 23 years since Cena made his SmackDown debut in the same building back in 2002.
A Career Comes Full Circle at the Allstate Arena
John Cena’s first televised WWE appearance took place on June 27, 2002, when he stepped into the ring at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, answering Kurt Angle’s open challenge with his trademark “ruthless aggression.” Over the past two decades, Cena has become one of the most iconic and decorated WWE Superstars in history, with 17 world championships and countless memorable moments.
Now, according to multiple credible sources within WWE, this upcoming Friday’s SmackDown from the same venue is expected to be his final appearance on the blue brand. This remarkable symmetry underscores the significance of the event for both Cena and the WWE Universe.
Insider Reports Signal the End of an Era
WrestleVotes, a trusted insider source active on WWE news and X (formerly Twitter), shared that “some within WWE are quietly expecting tomorrow night to be John Cena’s last SmackDown.” The rationale is grounded in scheduling: Cena reportedly has only seven remaining appearances left on his retirement tour, with only two yet to be announced. Internal expectations suggest none of those will be SmackDown events.
An authoritative source explained:
“With just a handful of dates left and considering the limited number of shows, it’s unlikely John will appear on SmackDown again. It’s fitting that his run on the blue brand begins and ends in the very same building in Chicago,” reflecting the sentiment among WWE officials and talent alike.
This aligns with reports from Sports Illustrated and Fightful, which also highlight that over 16,000 fans have secured tickets for the event, anticipating a historic night as Cena’s SmackDown farewell takes place.
The Final Stretch of Cena’s Retirement Tour
While this week’s SmackDown could be Cena’s swan song on the show, his farewell journey does continue beyond it. Cena is reportedly scheduled for several premium live events in the autumn, including a high-profile match against Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza on September 20. His final match ever is currently set for WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event special on December 13, 2025.
A WWE insider shared:
“John is winding down with purpose, savoring every step of his farewell tour. While Friday’s SmackDown may be his last on that platform, fans can still expect memorable matches from him in the coming months,” indicating that Cena remains an active part of WWE’s live events through year’s end.
Why the Allstate Arena Is a Historic Venue for Cena and WWE
The Allstate Arena holds a special place not only in Cena’s career but also in WWE history. It ranks among the company’s most significant venues, alongside iconic locations like Madison Square Garden and the Manhattan Center. For Cena, returning to this arena for his last SmackDown is more than nostalgic it’s symbolically rich.
Industry experts and longtime fans recognize that such bookending is rare, especially on a platform as prominent as SmackDown. It adds a poetic narrative to Cena’s retirement phase a career cycle literally starting and closing in the same building.
What Fans Can Expect on September 5th
The WWE Universe will likely witness a mixture of celebration, heartfelt farewells, and maybe a few surprises on this landmark SmackDown. Given Cena’s immense popularity and legacy, WWE creative plans to honor this moment carefully.
Sources close to the production team revealed:
“Expect a respectful and fitting tribute. John Cena’s impact transcends wrestling; it’s about his connection with fans and the times he defined in WWE. The show aims to capture that emotion and history,” promising a memorable evening for everyone involved.
As Cena’s career stages its final chapters, this SmackDown could serve as an emotional farewell for one of the industry’s greatest icons giving fans worldwide a last chance to see “The Champ” command the blue brand’s stage.