Likelihood of Vince McMahon Appearing at John Cena’s Final Match

With John Cena set to officially retire at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, DC next weekend, fans have wondered if his longtime mentor and friend Vince McMahon will be there to witness the end of an era. But despite their close relationship, new reports suggest McMahon probably won’t be making the trip.

According to Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez, the odds of McMahon attending Cena’s farewell match are “increasingly unlikely — not impossible, but unlikely.” While there’s still a chance, it appears WWE isn’t counting on the former chairman showing up.

McMahon hasn’t been seen on WWE television since June 2022, when he made a surprise appearance to introduce Cena during his 20th anniversary celebration on Monday Night Raw. That now stands as his final on-screen moment—coincidentally bookending Cena’s WWE career.

The real reason for McMahon’s continued absence likely lies in his mounting legal problems. In early 2024, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against McMahon and WWE, alleging sexual misconduct and human trafficking. That case is still ongoing. Separately, McMahon and his wife Linda are also named in the revived “ring boys” lawsuit, which claims they ignored the sexual abuse of minors by former WWE crew chief Mel Phillips in the 1980s.

Meanwhile, McMahon has shifted his focus to his latest venture, a private investment firm called 14+I, which focuses on sports, media, and entertainment deals. The company marks his first major project since resigning from TKO Group following the lawsuit scandal.

Cena has repeatedly stood by McMahon, calling him a father figure and even saying earlier this year:

“I still love Vince McMahon and I don’t care who hears it.”

That loyalty hasn’t changed, but Cena’s farewell is now shaping up to be McMahon-free—at least publicly.