John Cena Set to Face Gunther in His Last Match at Saturday Night’s Main Event

Saturday Night’s Main Event will be headlined by one of the most consequential matches in WWE history. The 17-time World Champion will face Gunther in his retirement match. It is not just a match but a symbol of passing the torch to the younger generation. The match is all set to give John Cena fans an emotional ride, whether or not he wins the match.

The Ring General, Gunther, participated in the Last Time is Now tournament to decide the opponent for John Cena’s final match. Gunther dominated the preceding by defeating Je’Von Evans and Carmelo Hayes to reach the Semifinals. He defeated Solo Sikoa to reach the final, and then came the victory against LA Knight, where he achieved a rare feat of forcing LA Knight to tap out.

CENA. GUNTHER.

ONE. FINAL. MATCH.

Don't miss John Cena's last match TOMORROW at #SNME, 8e/5p on @peacock! pic.twitter.com/s7hYu3eOlE
— WWE (@WWE) December 12, 2025

John Cena’s Legacy vs. Gunther’s Brutality And a Loud-Mouth Promise

Gunther shifted the momentum toward him with a victory in “The Last Time is Now” tournament. He has always taken pride in his hard-hitting, brutal ways inside the squared ring. He has sent a clear message to John Cena that he intends to ruin John Cena’s retirement party. He claimed that he would dismantle John Cena with his in-ring mastery and violence.

One. Final Match.

Here's everything to look out for when getting ready for @JohnCena's last match THIS SATURDAY at #SNME, 8e/5p on @peacock!

READ HERE: https://t.co/flervaaplO pic.twitter.com/uja0CFquFw
— WWE (@WWE) December 12, 2025

Gunther didn’t stop here as he announced that his motto is to force John Cena to tap out. John Cena is known for his “Never Give Up” attitude and has only tapped out twice at the beginning of his career. He has never tapped out ever since he became the face of the company, which makes Gunther’s claim all the more aggravating.

It will be the final moment of John Cena’s in-ring career, and while it would be an emotional ride for his fans, he still has a lot of fight left in him. He, however, has always tried to protect the product and will use the immense spotlight on him to elevate a future superstar. He has embraced this role in the recent past. Fans will be eager to see the last of his Attitude Adjustment, Five Knuckle Shuffle, and STF.

The Last Real Champion vs The Ring General, Match Prediction

While the entire WWE Universe wants John Cena to win the match, such has seldom been the case when a legend retires. Goldberg had to lose his last match against Gunther, while Undertaker lost his match to Roman Reigns, just to quote a few examples. Legends have always used their retirement match to elevate an upcoming star in WWE by losing the match to him.

#ThankYouCena

Don't miss @JohnCena's FINAL match THIS SATURDAY at #SNME, 8e/5p on @peacock! pic.twitter.com/1isQidHOdx
— WWE (@WWE) December 11, 2025

Gunther is expected to win the match, and while he claims to force John Cena to tap out. This is highly unlikely. He might hold John Cena in the Sleeper Hold, forcing him to pass out. This will protect John Cena’s “Never Give Up” ethos while providing Gunther with the monumental push. Defeating John Cena in his retirement match would give him the limelight, but the focus will soon shift to the retiring legend.

Image Credit: WWE.com

Gunther

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John Cena vs. Gunther

John Cena’s Final Match

John Cena’s retirement match

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WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Ashish Negi

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wrestling

I am Ashish Negi, and I work as a WWE and NFL writer at The Playoffs. I have 5 years of experience in content writing, and I have written in different domains like Real Estate, but I found my love while writing in sports. I love watching sports and have been a fan of WWE and cricket. I got an opportunity to write full-time on WWE and NFL here, so following the footstep of my hero John Cena, I turn heel on my last company