WWE reportedly planning to have John Cena's retirement match going head-to-head with AEW Worlds End 2025
(Courtesy : WWE)
WWE planning to go head-to-head with another AEW PLE!
WWE could be setting the stage for one of the most high-profile showdowns of the year and it won’t happen in the ring. According to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live, John Cena’s long-awaited retirement match may be moved to directly compete with AEW’s year-end pay-per-view, Worlds End, on December 27, 2025.
Originally, WWE was targeting early December for the match, possibly during Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, internal discussions have reportedly shifted toward making Cena’s farewell a head-to-head ratings and ticket battle with AEW’s final PPV of the year.
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
WWE’s scheduling strategy to counter AEW
If the move is finalized, it wouldn’t be the only time WWE and AEW go toe-to-toe over Cena. Dave Meltzer reported that WWE plans for Brock Lesnar to face Cena in Indianapolis on September 20, the same date AEW is running All Out in Toronto.
This strategy mirrors WWE’s recent competitive approach, using major star power to draw audiences away from AEW events. Cena’s farewell tour, one of the most talked-about storylines in wrestling, could be the ultimate weapon in this rivalry.
Boston is still the fore-front runner to hold John Cena’s retirement match
Earlier this summer, Cena revealed to the New York Post that his final match would likely take place in mid-December, though the location had yet to be confirmed. The 17-time World Champion’s hometown of Boston, Massachusetts has emerged as the leading candidate, with the TD Garden in contention to host the historic night.
Boston-based outlet WCVB reported that the city is the front-runner, and Sports Illustrated noted that WWE even opened bidding to other cities for the honor. With Cena born and raised in nearby West Newbury, a Boston farewell would provide an emotional setting for his send-off.
For now, the only certainty is that WWE sees Cena’s retirement as a must-see spectacle and possibly a powerful tool in their ongoing battle with AEW.
When is John Cena’s retirement match expected to take place?
While initially planned for early December, reports suggest WWE may move the match to December 27, 2025, to directly compete with AEW Worlds End.
Where will Cena’s final match be held?
Boston’s TD Garden is currently the favorite, though WWE has reportedly opened bidding to other cities.
Who is John Cena rumored to face in his retirement match?
While not officially confirmed, Cena is set to face Brock Lesnar in September, making him a possible contender for the final match as well.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.