Former WWE star reveals Vince McMahon paid $500k fine after breaking curfew for John Cena at MSG

Blesson has been a part of Khel Now since 2023, he covers Combat Sports & Gaming.

Published at :October 28, 2025 at 2:10 PM

Modified at :October 28, 2025 at 2:10 PM

(Courtesy : WWE)

John Cena is currently on his WWE retirement tour.

WWE legend John Cena has always been known for going above and beyond to entertain fans, even if it comes with a hefty price tag.

Former World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler, known among TNA fans as Nick Nemeth, recently revealed that one of their untelevised matches once cost the then-WWE CEO Vince McMahon a staggering $500,000 fine after they broke Madison Square Garden’s strict curfew.

The incident, which took place in December 2012, happened during a Steel Cage Match between John Cena and Ziggler at New York City’s iconic arena.

While the bout wasn’t broadcast, fans in attendance witnessed an unforgettable main event that went well past schedule, something that, according to venue policy, came with a major financial penalty.

Vince McMahon’s expensive commitment to the fans

WWE Vince McMahon (1) — LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 08: WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon speaks at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Speaking with KVIA ABC-7, Nemeth fondly recalled the night and described it as one of his favorite matches ever, not just because of the action inside the ring, but because of McMahon’s attitude toward the fans.

“There is a curfew with MSG and if you don’t hit that curfew, the building becomes half a million dollars more,” Nemeth explained. “We’re down to the main event with the steel cage, and there’s eight minutes until — after this, it’s a half of a million dollars on Vince’s tab.”

Despite the looming fine, neither John Cena nor McMahon wanted to cut the show short.

“I’m like, ‘What are we doing? We can’t shortchange these guys,” Nemeth said. “He (Cena) went, ‘Absolutely not, we’re going and we’re talking to the boss.’”

According to Nemeth, Cena approached Vince McMahon backstage to get the final word.

“Talked to the boss, boss goes, ‘Give them their money’s worth.’ We went out there for 30 minutes,” he added.

In the end, the match ran long, and WWE was billed for violating MSG’s curfew, but McMahon reportedly didn’t mind footing the $500,000 fine. For him, giving fans an unforgettable show was worth every cent.

When did the John Cena vs Dolph Ziggler Steel Cage Match take place?

The match took place in December 2012 during a non-televised WWE live event at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Why did Vince McMahon have to pay a $500,000 fine?

The event ran past MSG’s strict curfew time. Once that deadline is exceeded, the venue charges a hefty financial penalty.

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Blesson

Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.