Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon did not attend John Cena’s final match on Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., despite weeks of speculation that he would be present. However, his influence was still evident, as Cena’s closing video package included McMahon, and fans acknowledged him, even while some negative chants targeted WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H after the show.
AEW’s Jeff Jarrett, who expected McMahon would attend and was already displeased with WWE’s decision to have Cena tap out to Gunther, shared his thoughts on McMahon’s absence during his “My World” show. Jarrett pointed out that McMahon’s inclusion in Cena’s tribute video seemed to be the only moment where Cena appeared truly happy. When asked if he was surprised to see Vince in the video, Jarrett said, “It’s unfortunate there wasn’t more, but politically, it makes sense. Still, I was a little surprised.”
McMahon has not made any WWE appearances since January 2024, when he stepped down amid a lawsuit filed by Janelle Grant accusing him of sex trafficking and abuse. Cena’s video mention was briefly noted by WWE, but it sparked questions about whether McMahon might appear on the show due to his long-time friendship with Cena and the promotion’s upcoming Brock Lesnar return in early 2025, even though Lesnar is also named in the lawsuit.
Fan Take: Vince McMahon’s notable absence and limited presence in Cena’s tribute signals a new era for WWE, marked by political sensitivities and legal challenges. For fans, this highlights the evolving dynamics within WWE leadership and raises questions about how these controversies might shape the future of the sport.
