The iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City witnessed an emotional and historic moment as wrestling superstar John Cena made his final appearance on WWE's Monday Night Raw. The arena erupted with thunderous 'Thank you John Cena' chants as the 17-time world champion stepped into the hallowed venue for one last time on November 18, 2025.
An Emotional Farewell in the Big Apple
As the familiar trumpet notes echoed through the arena, the entire Madison Square Garden crowd rose to their feet, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated Cena's remarkable 23-year career. The wrestler appeared in new colors and addressed the emotional New York crowd with heartfelt gratitude.
"Madison Square Garden allowed me to step on the stage of these hallowed halls for 23 years," Cena told the packed arena. "Tonight there is a little extra enthusiasm in the air, because tonight is the last time we can talk together. Bittersweet moment for some, but it is a very important moment for me."
Action-Packed Finale Turns Sentimental
The bittersweet moment quickly transformed into an action-packed spectacle when Dominik Mysterio interrupted Cena's speech. Mysterio, whom Cena had defeated the previous week to claim the Intercontinental Championship, accused the veteran wrestler of receiving an unjust opportunity at the title.
The confrontation escalated when Mysterio brought out the entire Judgement Day group, including Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. Just as they began attacking Cena, Sheamus and Rey Mysterio rushed to the ring to even the odds. This led to an impromptu 6-man tag-team match that showcased signature moves and emotional tributes between the wrestlers.
Cena's Final Chapter in WWE
In a pre-event interview, Cena shared his thoughts about his final Raw appearance. "I am ready to have a great show, and I don't want to be in any other position," he stated. "I don't want to get lost in my own sauce. There are 16000 people out there, and I need to make sure they are happy. I will have plenty of time to self-reflect when I am done with this."
The wrestling legend is scheduled to face Dominik Mysterio again at the upcoming Premium Live Event Survivor Series. Cena's victory over Mysterio in their first encounter marked a significant milestone - completing the revered WWE Grand Slam by winning all available titles.
Cena's final match will take place during Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13, 2025, officially concluding his farewell tour. Throughout this tour, the veteran has:
- Switched between 'heel' and 'face' characters
- Faced formidable opponents including Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar
- Battled against CM Punk and AJ Styles
The opponent for John Cena's ultimate farewell match is currently being determined through The Last Time Is Now tournament. Notable wrestlers who have advanced to the quarterfinals include:
- Rusev
- Sheamus
- Jey Uso
- LA Knight
- Solo Sikoa
- Gunther
With two spots remaining in the tournament, the wrestling world eagerly awaits to see who will have the honor of facing John Cena in his final professional wrestling match, closing the chapter on one of the most inspiring careers in modern sports entertainment history.
