WWE is preparing for one of the most emotional nights in its history on Saturday, December 13, 2025, when John Cena steps into the ring for the final match of his storied career. The event is the 42nd edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, held at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Cena’s farewell bout is scheduled to be the main event — a one-on-one showdown with Gunther, who earned the opportunity by winning The Last Time Is Now tournament.

The broadcast is set to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time / 5 p.m. Pacific Time, exclusively on Peacock in the United States and YouTube internationally. WWE is rolling out coverage around the main show with build-up segments, expert previews, and backstage interviews intended to capture the emotional weight of the night. Several other high-profile matches are on the card, featuring talent from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.

Cena’s career has spanned more than two decades and more than 2,000 matches. Over that time he became one of WWE’s most iconic figures, a 17-time world champion, and a symbol of crossover appeal in sports entertainment. This final match wraps up a year-long farewell tour that included unforgettable encounters, championship victories, and celebratory moments with fans worldwide.

Opposite Cena stands Gunther, known for his precise, technical wrestling and long championship reigns. He has said publicly he feels “proud” to be chosen for this historic moment, calling Cena “the greatest of all time” in the business. The clash between Cena’s legacy status and Gunther’s hard-hitting style sets up a compelling contrast on a night full of emotion and retrospection.

WWE has also released a tribute video featuring current stars from Brock Lesnar to Becky Lynch to CM Punk, reflecting on Cena’s contributions and showing the respect his peers have for his career. Tributes on social media and in broadcast segments capture a mix of celebration, solemn gratitude, and excitement for Cena’s final chapter.

The undercard supports that theme of legacy and rising talent. Champion vs. champion bouts and crossover matches involving NXT competitors give the show a broader narrative beyond just Cena’s swan song. Fans around the world are expected to tune in for a night that WWE itself is framing as one of its most significant broadcast events of 2025.