The Last Time Is Now has become more than a mere tournament tagline; it is a symbolic farewell for one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures. Sixteen of WWE’s top athletes have battled fiercely for the opportunity to face John Cena in his final match, scheduled for Saturday night in Washington DC, bringing the curtain down on a career that has spanned over two decades.
In the 8,570 days since his WWE debut, Cena has achieved an astonishing 17 world championship titles, and created one of wrestling’s most recognisable catchphrases: “You Can’t See Me.” Yet his influence reaches far beyond championship belts or signature taunts. Ask “Who is John Cena?” and answers vary: to wrestling fans, he is a legendary superstar; to film audiences, a Hollywood actor; and to countless families worldwide, he is Mr Make-A-Wish, having granted more wishes than anyone else in the charity’s history.
How to Watch John Cena’s Last Match:
Start Time: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event is scheduled for 01:00 GMT, Sunday 14 December.
Where to Watch: In the UK, the match is available free on WWE’s official YouTube channel. International viewers can stream it on Netflix, and Peacock in the United States.
Since his debut in 2002, Cena’s character has evolved dramatically. From the “ruthless aggression” of a rookie, to the freestyle-rapping “Doctor of Thuganomics”, and finally the heroic, principled figure embodying the “Never Give Up” ethos, Cena has adapted to the changing landscape of WWE.
Despite occasional criticism regarding his in-ring prowess — with chants of “you can’t wrestle” echoing in arenas — experts insist his impact cannot be understated. Brandon Thurston, editor and owner of Wrestlenomics, explains: “There’s no doubt that he’s an exceptional wrestling talent. What Cena brought was reliability, charisma, and the ability to connect with audiences across generations.”
Thurston believes the turning point came in 2005, as WWE shifted into a more scripted, family-friendly PG era. Cena adapted effortlessly, becoming the company’s most bankable star between 2005 and 2015. Merchandise featuring his image regularly topped sales charts, and his presence consistently boosted pay-per-view buys, television ratings, and house-show attendance. “There’s little question he was WWE’s most important economic wrestler throughout that decade,” Thurston adds.
But Cena’s influence was not limited to numbers. Fans describe him as a performer whose charisma extends beyond the ring. Joe Clarkson, 24, who first saw Cena on television at the age of five, says: “To go for such a long time in an industry that is so physically taxing is absolutely fascinating. Over time, people gained respect for him not just as a performer, but as a person.”
Sabrina Nicole, 37, who watched Cena’s debut in 2002, highlights his innate star quality. “He has just always had something about him that makes him a star. For most of his career, he maintained a good guy persona, no matter what the crowd thought. It proves that if you have a really good character, you can stay on top.”
Thurston adds that beyond his abilities and charisma, Cena seized a rare opportunity. With stars like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin no longer performing full-time, WWE needed a new figurehead. “Leadership recognised Cena would be a reliable, hardworking person they could entrust with that role,” he notes. While Vince McMahon, then WWE chairman, made the final decision, Cena’s ability to connect with fans, his marketability, and his potential for long-term profitability were likely key considerations.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Felix Anthony Cena Jr. |
| WWE Debut | 27 June 2002 |
| Career Duration | 8,570 days (~23.5 years) |
| World Championships Won | 17 |
| Signature Catchphrase | “You Can’t See Me” |
| Key Character Evolution | “Ruthless Aggression” rookie → “Doctor of Thuganomics” → Heroic figure with “Never Give Up” ethos |
| Notable Feuds | AJ Styles, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Dominik Mysterio, Gunther |
| Charity Work | Make-A-Wish Foundation – 650+ wishes granted (Guinness World Record) |
| Film & Media | Actor, children’s book author, music projects |
| Notable Brand Partnerships | Neutrogena, other endorsements |
| Final Match Tournament | The Last Time Is Now – Won by Gunther to face Cena |
| Final Match Date | Saturday, 14 December 2025 |
| Broadcast / Streaming | WWE YouTube (UK), Netflix (International), Peacock (US) |
| Retirement Announcement | 2024 – 2025 announced as last year competing |
| Post-Retirement Role | WWE Ambassador – five-year deal |
An Authentic Character Beyond the Ring
Cena’s influence extends far beyond wrestling. He has cultivated a personal brand rooted in authenticity, charity, and professionalism. Among his notable partnerships is Neutrogena, where he became the face of a sunscreen campaign after revealing he had developed skin cancer spots due to past neglect of sun protection.
Perhaps more remarkable is his long-standing involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Cena holds the Guinness World Record for the most wishes granted, having fulfilled over 650 dreams for children with life-threatening illnesses. “It started by accident,” Cena admitted, “but it’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done.” Dr Gillian Brooks, Associate Professor of Marketing at King’s Business School, observes: “From a child’s perspective, meeting someone they admire from television or films is transformative. Cena’s charity work, film career, music ventures, and even his children’s book all demonstrate he is more than a one-show performer — he is genuine in everything he does.”
Cena’s authenticity and personal brand, coupled with his enduring charisma, ensure his legacy will continue even after his in-ring career concludes. Last year, he announced 2025 would be his final year as a competitor, citing the physical toll wrestling has taken on his body. Over the years, he has undergone multiple operations on his neck, pectorals, and triceps, often stating in interviews that his “body hurts” and is “screaming to close the chapter.”
The Retirement Run
Cena’s farewell has been marked by high-profile matches against both long-time rivals, such as AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and CM Punk, and newer stars, including Dominik Mysterio and Gunther. Fans have widely praised this “retirement run” as unique in wrestling history. Joe Clarkson notes: “It’s very sad to see him retire, but he’s had a distinctive farewell that no one else has had. His final year could have been executed slightly better — the short heel turn in March was controversial — but overall, it has been remarkable.”
Even with his retirement, Cena remains connected to WWE. He has signed a five-year ambassadorial deal, ensuring his influence and presence will continue to shape the company from outside the ring.
The Final Match: Cena vs Gunther
After winning The Last Time Is Now tournament, former world heavyweight champion Gunther will face Cena in his final bout. Unlike traditional televised matches, this encounter will be streamed globally, without a set time limit, allowing both athletes to showcase their full abilities. Gunther, who has never faced Cena before, has been vocal about his readiness for the challenge, while fans eagerly anticipate one last memorable performance from Cena.
As the countdown to Saturday night draws to a close, one thing is certain: John Cena’s farewell is not merely the end of a career; it is a celebration of a legacy that has transformed professional wrestling, inspired countless fans, and demonstrated the enduring power of character, perseverance, and authenticity. The iconic taunt “You Can’t See Me” may echo one final time in the ring, but Cena’s impact will be visible to generations long after the final bell.