Not content with just making a final appearance on December 13th, John Cena aims to use his farewell match to help shape WWE’s future. On Monday’s Raw Recap Show, Cena revealed that he personally pitched a bold idea to Triple H for the upcoming Saturday Night Main Event—a plan to transform what could have been a typical farewell tribute into a platform highlighting WWE’s next generation of talent from NXT.
Cena shared that the usual way to conclude a wrestling career is by losing to an opponent you’ve helped build up, but he believes there’s room for something more impactful. He reached out to Triple H with concerns that a full two-hour Cena tribute would either be overwhelming or underwhelming, unable to satisfy everyone. Instead, he suggested a more meaningful approach: a series of exhibition matches featuring WWE’s main roster stars competing against standout NXT wrestlers.
He believes this format benefits future WWE stars, giving fans and the wrestling world a chance to see what’s coming next. Cena remarked, “The building is sold out. I hope the world is watching… I’m going to play one last time, but then you guys can think about what you have to look forward to, too.” For Cena, this event represents both the end of his iconic career and a shining moment for the next generation ready to carry the torch.
Cena also emphasized that retirement should be about giving back. While he doesn’t mind “doing the honorable job” of stepping aside, he saw this as a chance to do more. With his final opponent set by the Time Is Now tournament and NXT talents already involved, Cena views December 13th as a launching point for future matches. He’s hopeful this exposure will foster new interest in NXT and WWE’s evolving roster. Cena praised Triple H for supporting the idea, highlighting it as a collective way to close one chapter in sports entertainment and open another.
Though Cena won’t compete on his own terms due to physical limitations, he is committed to participating in any way he can—primarily as a supporter and advocate for emerging talent.
Fan Take: This move by Cena is a masterstroke for WWE fans, as it not only honors a legendary career but also sets the stage for exciting fresh faces to rise. By spotlighting NXT talent in such a high-profile event, WWE is signaling a promising future for the sport and its evolving storylines.
