The WWE universe is bracing for an emotional farewell as John Cena prepares to step into the ring for his final appearance on Monday Night Raw. The 16-time world champion has officially confirmed that he will wrestle one last time on WWE’s flagship show, with the historic event set for November 17, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Cena’s final Raw match marks the end of a 23-year era that has seen him become one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history.
Cena’s Last Raw Match: A Night to Remember
John Cena’s announcement has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. In a heartfelt social media post, Cena reflected on his journey with Raw, noting that he’s competed in 544 matches on the show—the most in WWE history. “Over 23 years you’ve allowed me to have 544 matches on #WWERaw. The most in WWE history. My favorite match… is my next one! Which will be our LAST ONE!” Cena wrote, urging fans not to miss his final Raw appearance.
The match will take place at Madison Square Garden, a venue synonymous with WWE’s biggest moments. “The Garden has always been special to me,” Cena said. “It’s where legends are made, and I’m honored to say goodbye here.”
The Road to Retirement: Cena’s Final Matches
Cena’s retirement tour is set to culminate in three major events. After his final Raw match, he will appear at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29 in San Diego, and his career will officially come to a close at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 in Washington, D.C. The “Last Time is Now” tournament, which will determine Cena’s opponent for his final match, will continue on Raw with two first-round bouts: Gunther vs. Je’Von Evans and Solo Sikoa vs. a mystery opponent.
“John’s final match is going to be something special,” said a WWE insider. “The company wants to make sure his last appearance is memorable, and they’re pulling out all the stops to make it happen.”
Cena’s Intercontinental Championship Win
In a surprising twist, Cena captured the Intercontinental Championship earlier this week by defeating Dominik Mysterio. This marks the first time Cena has held the IC title in his career, making him a Grand Slam Champion. The victory adds another layer of significance to his final Raw appearance, as he will be defending the title for the first and last time.
“Winning the Intercontinental Championship was a dream come true,” Cena said. “It’s a title that means a lot to me, and I’m proud to be a Grand Slam Champion.”
The “Last Time is Now” Tournament
The “Last Time is Now” tournament is designed to determine who will face Cena in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The tournament will feature some of WWE’s top stars, with Gunther and Je’Von Evans set to face off on Raw. Solo Sikoa will also compete, but his opponent remains a mystery. Additional matches are expected to be announced on the November 14 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
“Gunther is the favorite to win the tournament,” said a source close to the booking committee. “But anything can happen in a tournament like this, and we’re excited to see how it all plays out.”
What to Expect at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is known for its electric atmosphere, and Cena’s final Raw match is expected to be no different. The show will also feature a Women’s Intercontinental Championship match between Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri, as well as segments honoring Cena’s legacy.
“John Cena’s final Raw match is going to be a celebration of his career,” said a WWE executive. “We want to make sure fans get to see all the moments that made John a legend.”
Cena’s Legacy and Impact
John Cena’s impact on WWE and professional wrestling cannot be overstated. Over the past two decades, he has become a global icon, known for his charisma, athleticism, and philanthropy. His “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” mantra has inspired millions, and his matches have set the standard for excellence in the industry.
“John Cena is one of the greatest to ever step into the ring,” said a longtime WWE fan. “His final Raw match is going to be a night we’ll never forget.”
How to Watch
John Cena’s final Raw match will be broadcast live on Netflix, WWE’s new weekly home for Raw. The show will air at 8 p.m. ET on November 17, 2025. Limited tickets are still available for fans who want to witness the historic event in person at Madison Square Garden.
Looking Ahead
As Cena prepares to say goodbye to Raw, the wrestling world is reflecting on his incredible career. His final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event will be the culmination of a journey that has defined an era. For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate the legacy of a true WWE legend.
“John Cena’s final Raw match is more than just a match,” said a WWE insider. “It’s a celebration of everything he’s accomplished and the impact he’s had on the industry.”
John Cena’s final Raw match is set to be a night of emotion, excitement, and unforgettable moments. As the WWE universe prepares to say goodbye to one of its greatest stars, the legacy of John Cena will live on for generations to come.