John Cena Confirms December 13 Is His Final WWE Match

John Cena is shutting down every rumor once and for all—December 13 really is the end.

Even though WWE continues to advertise him for the Raw After WrestleMania 42 next April, Cena made it crystal clear during his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 will be his official in-ring retirement.

Cena didn’t hedge, tease, or leave any room for interpretation. He spelled it out himself:

“23 years of performing in WWE, and we’re down to our last date,” Cena said. “It’s been a crazy year where I announced this like 15 months in advance that I’m going to retire.”

He went even further, stressing that unlike most WWE legends who return for “one more match,” he’s not coming back:

“This has really never been done in WWE history. WWE Superstars don’t necessarily retire, they always kind of hang on for one more match. I am absolutely 100 percent done. The 13th of December on Peacock is my last in-ring performance.”

Cena also revealed that an idea he pitched is being used for his retirement show—NXT vs. WWE exhibition matches to spotlight upcoming talent on the historic card.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 will feature Cena wrestling the winner of the Gunther vs. LA Knight finals from the Last Time Is Now tournament. The event will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., marking the final chapter of one of the most iconic WWE careers of all time.

Cena may still appear on TV next year, but as far as stepping back into a ring, he made his message unmistakable: this is it.