Historic Career Culminates in Washington, DC
John Cena, one of the most decorated superstars in WWE history, is set to wrestle his final match on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, as the headline bout for Saturday Night’s Main Event—an event WWE is billing as a “momentous farewell” following a year-long retirement tour including WrestleMania 41 and SummerSlam[1][2][4]. Cena’s legacy—17 world titles, five U.S. Championship reigns, and two Royal Rumble wins—is unmatched in the modern era, and WWE officials promise a spectacle worthy of closing his storied 25-year in-ring career[1][2].
Tyrus Drops Bombshell: Trump “1000%” Attending
On a recent episode of TMZ’s Inside The Ring, controversial pundit and former WWE Superstar Tyrus stated emphatically that former U.S. President Donald Trump will “1000%” be in attendance for Cena’s last match, and even suggested it’s possible Trump could get physically involved with the show. “When I tell you he’s coming, he’s coming,” Tyrus said, hyping potential “unbelievable surprises” for the crowd and viewers. Trump—himself a Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Famer and WWE star (he battled Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 23 and was a staple of 1980s celebrity wrestling crossovers)—has long been a non-traditional draw for wrestling, straddling pop culture and politics in ways few celebrities can.
WWE’s Capital One Arena Event: What to Expect
Saturday Night’s Main Event, airing live on Peacock, will be an unprecedented blend of wrestling and celebrity, with the venue’s official site confirming doors opening at 6:00 PM and a 7:30 PM start for what’s expected to be a star-studded night[2]. With tickets in high demand and premium “On Location” ringside experience packages already sold out, the WWE Universe is preparing for a night heavy on nostalgia, surprise, and possibly political spectacle[1].
A backstage source close to WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H (Paul Levesque) says company leadership is “fully aware” of the buzz around Tyrus’s comments and the potential Trump factor. “Look, WWE events are about moments. If someone like Donald Trump shows up in DC, you’d better believe there’s a plan for it. Let’s just say, the creative team is talking about contingency plans for any scenario,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump’s WrestleMania Legacy and WWE’s Celebrity Crossover Gold
Trump is no stranger to WWE, having made memorable appearances at WrestleMania IV, V, and XXIII—where he was personally involved in the “Battle of the Billionaires” storyline that culminated in a hair vs. hair main event. His last onscreen WWE appearance was in 2009, but he remains one of the most recognizable celebrity figures in wrestling history.
According to WWE insider accounts, “Cena’s finale is being built as a true event—not just for wrestling fans. Trump showing up would be a massive pop for the crowd, but it also puts WWE at the center of the national conversation. There’s real value in that—even if it comes with headaches.”
Cena’s Final Dance: The Road to Retirement
John Cena’s retirement is no surprise—he’s been transparent about his plans, announcing his intent to retire from in-ring competition in July 2024 and reinforcing that the Washington, DC, date will be his last scheduled match, regardless of lingering rumors or speculation[3]. On X (formerly Twitter), Cena wrote: “I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match. I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time”[3].
The Opponent Question: Cena’s Last Challenger
The identity of Cena’s final opponent remains one of the most hotly debated topics in wrestling. The rumor mill has produced several names—Randy Orton (Cena’s longtime rival), The Rock (John’s cousin and Hollywood megastar), Cody Rhodes (the current face of WWE), and even an outside-the-box legend like Steve Austin. According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, “the office is considering every possible marquee opponent and story for Cena’s finale. They want this to be something truly special, something fans will never forget.”
WWE’s Political Gamble: Mixing Sports Entertainment and Politics
Trump’s possible attendance—and potential involvement—raises questions about the intersection of professional wrestling and politics. WWE has increasingly blurred these lines, booking politicians as guest hosts, special referees, and even as active participants in matches. A WWE talent relations source indicated that “every celebrity appearance is a gamble. But when it’s Trump, it’s a whole new level. You could get cheers, you could get boos—but you’re definitely getting buzz.”
In recent years, WWE has made a concerted effort to appeal to both its core fanbase and a broader, more politically diverse audience. A Trump cameo would be the most mainstream, potentially polarizing crossover WWE could muster—generating publicity that transcends the wrestling bubble.
The Return of Saturday Night’s Main Event
Saturday Night’s Main Event—a legendary TV special that once aired on NBC in the 1980s and 2000s—returns as the setting for Cena’s final bow. WWE is marketing exclusive VIP packages with superstar meet-and-greets, ringside seating, and commemorative merchandise for what is sure to be one of the most-watched wrestling programs of the decade[1].
What the Wrestlers Are Saying
Backstage, the locker room is reportedly aware of the swirling rumors, and many are curious about what this could mean for the industry. A prominent WWE Superstar, speaking off the record, said: “Look, if Trump’s there, all eyes will be on DC that night. Everybody in the business wants to be a part of something that big. We’re all waiting to see what happens.”
Ticket Demand and Legacy
Tickets for the event went on sale October 17, 2025, following a pre-sale on October 15, and are being snapped up quickly as fans clamor to witness history[2]. The match will stream exclusively on Peacock, promising a global audience and an atmosphere of spectacle befitting such a landmark event[1].
Conclusion: The Ultimate Spectacle in Professional Wrestling
John Cena’s final WWE match is shaping up to be more than just a wrestling match—it’s a cultural event, a crossover spectacle, and a unique moment in sports entertainment history. With Tyrus’s prediction of a near-certain Trump appearance and WWE creative reportedly preparing for all possibilities, the stage is set for a night that could redefine the intersection of celebrity, politics, and professional wrestling.
According to a WWE production source: “We know what we have with John’s last match. What we don’t know yet is what wildcard Donald Trump—or anyone else—might throw into the mix. Whatever happens, DC is going to be the center of the wrestling world on December 13.”
As the countdown to Cena’s finale ticks on, the only certainty is unpredictability—and the promise of one of the biggest nights in WWE history.