May 18, 2025 - John Cena fighting John "Bradshaw" Layfield during Saturday Night's Main Event in 2008, Image Credits:- WWE Vault on YouTube

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What Was John Cena’s Last Saturday Night’s Main Event Appearance?

Learn All About When Did John Cena Make His Last Appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

May 18, 2025 - John Cena fighting John "Bradshaw" Layfield during Saturday Night's Main Event in 2008, Image Credits:- WWE Vault on YouTube

John Cena is appearing at Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXIX on May 24, 2025. He will be fighting R-Truth at the event. This happened after John Cena violently attacked R-Truth at the WWE Backlash press conference.

John Cena, notably will be making his first appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event after more than a decade in 2025. He last competed at Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXVI on July 28, 2008, 2008. He was involved in an eight-man tag team match at the event. So how did John Cena’s match at Saturday Night’s Main Event play out? Read all about it.

John Cena Lost His Last Saturday Night’s Main Event Match

John Cena last competed at a Saturday Night’s Main Event in 2008 as per WrestleRush on Instagram. He competed in an eight-man tag team match on July 28, 2008. His partners were Batista and the tag team Cryme Tyme (JTG and the late Shad Gaspard). He faced opponents like John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL), Kane and The Legacy (Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase). CM Punk had joined as guest commentator for the match (via WWE Vault on YouTube)-

Unfortunately, the match ended with a loss for John Cena and his tag team after JBL clotheslined the late Shad Gaspard and won the match via pinfall. JBL and CM Punk had a tense staredown with each other after the match.

R-Truth Will Beat John Cena Back To His Senses

R-Truth is all geared to face John Cena at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXIX on May 24, 2025. He revealed to Wade Barrett (via WWE on X) –

“I don’t wanna fight John, but if I have to beat him back to his senses, then I’m gonna do it.”

“If I have to beat him back to his senses, then I'll do it”

R-Truth believes @JohnCena is in need of an ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Will he be able to deliver at #SNME? 👀
@RonKillings #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/lWxufIwVMm
— WWE (@WWE) May 17, 2025

This match was announced after John Cena attacked R-Truth and put him through the table after Backlash at the press conference. R-Truth revealed that that man was not John Cena. He also stated that the John Cena he knew would never turn his back on fans and talk about ruining wrestling. Moreover, R-Truth lives by his childhood hero’s teachings of “Never Give Up” and “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect.” R-Truth concluded by stating that no matter what happens in that match, he will walk out with his head held high.

John Cena and R-Truth have a history of their own in their earlier WWE careers. The upcoming match between them will prove to be an interesting one. It might also be the first step towards the return of the babyface John Cena.

John Cena

R-Truth

WWE

WWE Saturday Night Main Event

Arka Mukherjee

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mma

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I’m a sports content writer focusing on MMA, WWE and MLB writer at The Playoffs. I have a Master’s degree in Media Science (M.Sc) from my college The Heritage Academy. I got into the sports industry through my previous company where I worked from 2023 to March 2025. I’m a fan of combat sports like pro wrestling and MMA. My favorite part about working at The Playoffs is speculating what can be happening in WWE, especially face-heel turns and results of matches.