John Cena’s highly anticipated retirement tour is reaching its climax, but contrary to long-standing expectations, his final WWE match will not happen in his hometown of Boston. Instead, sources report that Cena’s last match is scheduled for December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event, held live from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.[1][2]
A Shift from Boston to Washington D.C.
For months, fans and insiders alike assumed that Cena’s farewell match would take place in Boston, Massachusetts, the city where he grew up and launched his wrestling career. Early indications even pointed to the TD Garden in Boston hosting the December 13 event. Cena’s father had suggested this possibility in a local interview, and WWE initially confirmed his Raw appearances in Boston on November 10 and in New York City on November 17 as part of the farewell tour.[2][3][4]
However, recent developments reveal a change in WWE’s plans. According to multiple sources, including WrestleVotes and PWInsider, the final bout will now take place in Washington, D.C., a notable wrestling city and home to the Capital One Arena, a venue familiar to WWE events and even the historic first AEW Dynamite episode.[1][2]
The change reportedly stems from logistical and financial considerations. Boston officials reportedly pushed strongly to host Cena’s final farewell match but were reluctant to cover additional costs WWE requested, costs that had not been required for previous events. Furthermore, WWE reportedly wanted the event to serve as a major tourism destination, unlike the logistical challenges posed by hosting it in Boston during the busy December holiday season.[3]
A WWE insider told Ringside News, “WWE and TKO want Cena’s last match to maximize its impact as a tourism event, and Washington D.C. provides a strategic location with strong attendance potential and media reach.”[1]
John Cena’s Remaining Retirement Tour Dates
Aside from the final match shift, Cena’s retirement tour dates have been confirmed and include several major stops across the U.S. and internationally. His farewell appearances will be broadcasted across WWE programming, culminating in his last in-ring outing at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The confirmed remaining appearances are:
- September 5: WWE SmackDown in Rosemont, Illinois
- September 15: WWE Raw in Springfield, Massachusetts
- September 20: WWE Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis, Indiana
- October 11: WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia
- November 10: WWE Raw in Boston, Massachusetts
- November 17: WWE Raw in New York City, New York
- November 29: WWE Survivor Series in San Diego, California
- December 13: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. (Final Match)[1][2]
Fans eager to witness Cena’s farewell moments will have a chance to attend the Boston and New York City Raw events, with tickets available starting September 10 through Ticketmaster. VIP packages offering premium seating, hospitality, and exclusive Superstar interactions have also been released via WWE’s On Location partner.[4][3]
Cena’s Illustrious Career and Retirement Tour Highlights
John Cena’s WWE career spans over two decades, during which he became a 17-time World Champion and one of the most recognizable faces in sports entertainment. His retirement tour in 2025 has featured memorable moments such as a heel turn, reclaiming his babyface status, and a high-profile feud with Brock Lesnar.
Most notably, Cena recently defeated Logan Paul at Clash in Paris, further cementing his enduring star power. His final chapter in WWE continues to attract worldwide attention, blending nostalgia with anticipation for what many consider one of the most emotional retirements in recent WWE history.[1][2]
What the Change Means for Cena’s Farewell
While Boston remains a significant city on Cena’s tour, not having the final match there is a surprise to many. The move highlights WWE’s broader strategic priorities for the event, balancing fan expectations with business and logistical realities. The Capital One Arena in Washington is expected to provide a grand stage befitting Cena’s legacy and will likely attract a significant audience both live and via Peacock streaming.
A source close to WWE commented, “Cena’s final match is not just about location but about the spectacle, timing, and global reach. Washington allows WWE to deliver on all fronts.”[2]
Fans can look forward to a well-produced sendoff paying tribute to Cena’s monumental career, featuring special appearances and memorable moments that have defined “The Face of WWE” for years.
John Cena’s retirement tour continues to be a central narrative in WWE in 2025. With the final match now set for Washington, D.C., the wrestling world awaits an unforgettable farewell to a true icon.