12-05-2025
WWE Wants Big Money From Cities To Host John Cena's Retirement Match
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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While Boston has long been considered the likely destination for John Cena's final WWE match, new reports reveal the company initiated a significant bidding process for cities to host the momentous farewell. This development adds another layer to Cena's ongoing 2025 retirement tour, which has already been eventful.
Cena announced in the summer of 2024 that 2025 would mark his last year as an active in-ring competitor. His farewell tour officially commenced with an appearance at the Royal Rumble in January 2025.
A shocking turn then occurred at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event in February. Cena executed a surprising heel turn, targeting fan-favorite Cody Rhodes and signaling a drastic shift in his long-established persona.
This new, aggressive attitude carried him to WrestleMania 41 in April. In a stunning main event, Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship, securing a historic 17th world title reign.
His first defense as the newly minted heel champion took place just days ago at WWE Backlash on May 10th. Cena successfully retained his title against his legendary adversary, Randy Orton, albeit with some reported outside interference.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: John Cena is introduced before his match against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: John Cena is introduced before his match against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, 17-time champion has emphasized his limited schedule during this final run. His next confirmed appearance is a match against R-Truth at an upcoming Saturday Night's Main Event.
Regarding his ultimate farewell, James Stewart of 98.5 "The Sports Hub" in Boston initially reported that WWE was packaging "John Cena's Final Match" as a lucrative, weekend-long affair for a potential host city. The Takedown on SI later independently confirmed this, stating they had viewed WWE's pitch documents sent to potential host sites.
John Cena's Final Match is being planned for 12/13/25. WWE is looking for $1.5 million financial commitment from host cities, including Boston.
WWE's full week "takeover" would start on 12/10 with community events, 12/11 Undertaker show, 12/12 Smackdown and 12/13 SNME. — James Stewart ☝️ (@IAmJamesStewart) May 12, 2025
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The reported asking price for a city to host this grand finale was $1.5 million. In return, the package included WWE "taking over" the host city with community events, a special Undertaker live show, a SmackDown taping, and then a Saturday Night's Main Event where Cena's final match would occur.
Per Stewart's report, this culminating Saturday Night's Main Event was targeted for December 13, 2025. WWE allegedly began its search for prospective bidders just two days after the Royal Rumble in February, with the goal of having a host city confirmed by the end of April.
While John Cena Sr. previously indicated his son's desire for a Boston farewell, and the city has been strongly rumored, "The Takedown on SI" could not confirm if Boston was selected through this bidding process. Thus, the official location for "John Cena's Final Match" remains unconfirmed by WWE, adding intrigue to the conclusion of his celebrated career.
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