Tonight marks the end of an era as John Cena steps into the ring for his last ever match at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, facing off against the dominant Gunther in a clash that's got fans buzzing.
This special event streams live at 8 ET/5 PT on Peacock in the US and YouTube internationally, complete with a two-hour countdown pre-show starting at 6 ET. Gunther earned his shot by winning the intense 16-man The Last Time Is Now tournament, setting the stage for what could be Cena's most emotional bout yet.
Stacked Card Packed with Star Power
The final lineup features four high-stakes matches blending WWE's top stars with rising NXT talent:
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John Cena vs. Gunther – Cena's retirement match, with rumors swirling about a shocking tap-out or pass-out finish to honor his "Never Give Up" mantra.
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Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi – A champion vs. champion dream matchup.
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AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater – Fan-requested tag team action spotlighting NXT's next big things.
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Bayley vs. Sol Ruca – A women's division opener where Ruca could score a massive upset win.
WWE's listening to the fans, adding matches like the Styles team based on social media hype – even if it's through Triple H's alleged burner account.
Cena's Farewell: Tap Out Drama and Surprise Guests?
Whispers from wrestling insiders predict
Gunther forcing Cena to tap in a sleeper hold, a poignant twist for the man who built his legacy on resilience. Fans are pushing back hard online, preferring Cena pass out like the iconic Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13 instead.
Expect star-studded cameos post-match:
Shawn Michaels,
Seth Rollins (confirmed attending), and even wild speculation about Cena Sr., Vince McMahon, or a masked man's big reveal as Chris Jericho. This could stretch into the final hour, turning the night into pure wrestling theater.
Why This Event Feels Like Vintage WWE
Saturday Night's Main Event revives the classic NBC special vibe, but with modern streaming flair. Cena's final run has drawn criticism for booking choices, so WWE's treading carefully to give the 16-time champ a heroic sendoff.
As a wrestling fan who's covered these spectacles for years, this feels like Cena passing the torch – Gunther's power game vs. Cena's heart could redefine main events. Live coverage kicks off soon on Pro Wrestling Boom podcast for instant breakdowns.
What to Watch For and Stream Details
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Pre-show hype: Tune in at 6 ET for buildup on Peacock/Netflix internationally.
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Star-making moments: NXT kids like Evans, Slater, and Ruca stealing the spotlight.
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Emotional peaks: Cena's exit might include endorsements from legends, cementing his GOAT status.
Grab your popcorn – this is must-watch TV that could spark WWE's hottest storyline heading into 2026.
Sources
1. Shocking Rumors and Predictions For WWE Saturday Night's Main ...
2. WWE Saturday Night's Main Event lineup (live coverage tonight): John Cena's last match, WWE Champion vs. NXT Champion
3. Lineup For WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event: John Cena’s Last Match
4. Saturday Night's Main Event Match Card, How to Watch, Previews, Start Time and More
![[John Cena's Epic Farewell: Gunther Awaits in WWE Saturday Night's Main Event's Final Showdown Tonight]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7ZuDf52SItM/hq720.jpg?v=693d2c5d&sqp=CICb9skG-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLAIhFxCRIrobaFciXiy0JUJW7oxhw)