WWE icon and 17-time World Champion John Cena is on the final leg of his much-anticipated retirement tour, culminating in his in-ring retirement match on December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. This historic moment will see Cena face off against “The Ring General,” GUNTHER, marking the end of an extraordinary wrestling career that has spanned over two decades[4].
The Road to Retirement: Key Dates and Matches
John Cena’s retirement farewell is one of the most significant WWE storylines of 2025. He has a rigorous schedule with multiple high-profile appearances and matches planned through the year’s end, combining nostalgia with fresh, intense competition.
Upcoming Confirmed Dates
October 11, 2025 — WWE Crown Jewel, Perth, Australia: Cena will battle his longstanding rival AJ Styles in what is expected to be a show-stealing bout, rekindling one of WWE’s premier feuds[4].
November 10, 2025 — WWE Raw, Boston, Massachusetts.
November 17, 2025 — WWE Raw, New York, New York.
November 29, 2025 — WWE Survivor Series, San Diego, California.
December 13, 2025 — Saturday Night’s Main Event, Washington, D.C. (Retirement Match vs. GUNTHER)[4].
Beyond these, he will also appear at upcoming special events and weekly shows, making roughly 35 to 40 appearances worldwide during 2025, according to wrestling insiders[2].
The Final Opponent: GUNTHER as “The Ring General”
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has orchestrated a compelling final chapter for Cena by introducing a tournament to decide Cena’s ultimate challenger. Sources suggest that the winner of this tournament, and thus Cena’s opponent at his retirement match, will be the imposing GUNTHER, the current WWE Intercontinental Champion widely respected for his dominant, technical wrestling style[4].
A backstage source tells us, “Triple H wants this final showdown to symbolize Cena’s journey — facing a current top star known as ‘The Ring General’ who embodies the new era. It’s the perfect passing of the torch moment.”
The Penultimate Match: Potential Opponents and Surprise Appearances
Before facing GUNTHER, Cena will have one additional match, reportedly at either the November 29 Survivor Series or the adjacent WWE event in early November. While the official opponent hasn’t been confirmed, rumors swirl around potential contenders such as Dominik Mysterio, who would provide a fresh, storyline-driven matchup[4].
According to veteran wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, Cena still has at least three more matches scheduled following Crown Jewel, including a likely bout in Salt Lake City during a Saturday Night’s Main Event, which could serve as the penultimate encounter before his ultimate retirement match[3].
Reflecting on Cena’s Legacy
John Cena’s career is marked by countless achievements, including 17 world championship reigns, 16-time WWE Champion accolades, and defining moments that have left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. His retirement tour is both a celebration of his legacy and a farewell to fans worldwide.
WWE has leveraged Cena’s farewell to engage fans globally, with events taking place in major cities across North America, Europe, and Australia. This strategy not only amplifies the emotional resonance of Cena’s final matches but also highlights his status as a global wrestling ambassador[1][2].
Fan and Industry Reactions
Fans and wrestling insiders alike have expressed excitement and respect for Cena’s carefully planned farewell. A WWE insider commented, “John’s retirement tour isn’t just about his last match, but about giving every city the chance to say goodbye properly. WWE recognizes his monumental impact and is treating this like a once-in-a-lifetime sendoff.”
Meanwhile, the announcement of GUNTHER as Cena’s last opponent has added a new level of anticipation among fans eager to see how the clash of eras will unfold inside the ring[4].
Final Thoughts: Cena’s Last Ride
John Cena’s retirement tour has already become a landmark WWE event for 2025 and will be remembered as a masterclass in storytelling and career culmination. With just a handful of matches remaining, including his upcoming showdown with AJ Styles and the grand finale against GUNTHER, this tour encapsulates the essence of his career — resilience, passion, and respect for the craft.
As the countdown continues toward December 13, fans across the globe will be watching with bated breath to witness the closing chapter of one of the most celebrated careers in WWE history.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit “Wrestling Observer Radio” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions used in developing this report.