John Cena is poised to make a historic final appearance on Monday Night Raw next week, November 17, 2025, at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Recent promotional material from Netflix hyping Cena’s “last-ever Raw” has sparked intense speculation about whether WWE’s 17-time world champion will step into the ring one final time on this momentous night[3][4].
The Significance of Cena’s Last Season in WWE
John Cena’s farewell tour has been unfolding since early 2025, with WWE officially announcing his final Raw appearances in Boston on November 10 and New York on November 17[2]. The Madison Square Garden event is especially historic, as MSG has been a pivotal venue in Cena’s legendary career and is regarded as “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” The WWE community is preparing for a nostalgic night combining celebration with high stakes.
Netflix’s recent trailer underscores this gravity, framing the New York Raw as Cena’s last-ever night in the squared circle during a Raw broadcast[3]. Fans around the world are eager to witness a potential “one last match” and the culmination of Cena’s unmatched WWE legacy in front of the iconic MSG crowd.
Will John Cena Wrestle on November 17?
Although WWE has confirmed Cena’s appearance as the Intercontinental Champion on Raw at MSG, the burning question remains whether he will wrestle or just appear for a farewell segment[4]. Recent reports and the Netflix teaser strongly hint at an in-ring contest, potentially Cena’s final WWE Raw match before he retires from full-time competition.
According to sources close to WWE, the plan is for Cena to deliver a memorable in-ring performance to send him out on a high note. A backstage insider revealed, “John has been training hard and is eager to give the MSG crowd a match worthy of his legacy. WWE wants to make sure this final Raw in New York is a fireworks show, and Cena is a big part of that vision.” This suggests his involvement will go beyond appearances and speeches.
What to Expect From This Historic Raw
The November 17 Raw card is shaping up to be a star-studded event, celebrating Cena’s career while also advancing core storylines[4][5]. Cena is expected to be a central figure, possibly defending the Intercontinental Championship or engaging in a special exhibition match.
WWE is also leveraging this night with exclusive Raw Priority Pass packages through On Location, offering fans premium seating, hospitality, and meet-and-greet opportunities with top Superstars, including Cena[1]. This further signals that WWE views Cena’s MSG Raw as a marquee event deserving fanfare and maximum in-person attendance.
The Countdown to Cena’s Retirement
Following the MSG Raw, Cena’s farewell schedule includes one final grand appearance at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29. Thereafter, the legend will gradually step away from WWE wrestling, shifting focus to his career in Hollywood and charity work.
WWE has built a multi-platform farewell campaign encompassing live events, Netflix documentaries, and wrestler testimonials to honor Cena’s influence over nearly two decades[3]. It’s clear that the next few weeks mark the end of a historic chapter for both WWE and Cena’s legion of fans.
Final Thoughts: A Night Fans Won’t Forget
With the pressure and expectation mounting, WWE’s November 17 Raw at Madison Square Garden promises to be an unmissable event. John Cena wrestling on this night would be a fitting tribute to his long and storied career and offer fans a moment to cherish before his retirement.
As the countdown continues, it’s safe to say that WWE and John Cena are preparing to deliver a farewell befitting a true legend—and the garden crowd is ready for a night of unforgettable WWE history.
“John’s commitment to giving the fans a final match at MSG is real. It’s not just a goodbye; it’s a celebration of everything he has done for this industry,” a WWE insider commented[4].
Fans should be ready to witness the closing chapter of one of WWE’s greatest icons when Monday Night Raw broadcasts live from Madison Square Garden, November 17, 2025.