Backstage News & Notes on John Cena’s Retirement Match and SNME – With John Cena set to wrestle the final match of his WWE career tonight at Saturday Night’s Main Event from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., several backstage notes and planning details have emerged as the company prepares to close a historic chapter. According to WWE sources, the direction of Cena facing Gunther had been mapped out internally for months. Even during the period when Gunther was sidelined with injury, there was confidence behind the scenes that he would be healthy in time and positioned as Cena’s final opponent.
Cena himself played a major role in shaping the overall vision for the event. He strongly advocated for the inclusion of NXT talent working against main roster stars, viewing the show as an opportunity to spotlight the next generation. However, sources indicate that Cena did not personally select which NXT wrestlers would be featured on the card. That responsibility remained with WWE’s creative team.
There are no strict runtime limitations attached to the broadcast, giving WWE flexibility with match lengths and pacing throughout the night. At one point, there were discussions about airing Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC during negotiations related to WWE potentially moving premium live events away from Peacock. Those talks ultimately did not lead to an agreement.
Many within WWE only became aware of Jesse “The Body” Ventura’s involvement earlier this week. Ventura had previously been planned for additional Saturday Night’s Main Event appearances in 2025, but those plans changed after he was critical of a cage match finish and due to concerns surrounding a potential Hulk Hogan appearance. He was ultimately brought back for this December event.
Leon Slater’s participation also came together late. WXW had originally booked him for an event tonight and was only informed within the past week that he would instead be working the WWE show. As of now, WWE personnel have not been briefed on any appearances by Vince McMahon or Donald Trump. Sources noted that while McMahon could attend with minimal visibility, nothing related to this event appears on Trump’s public schedule.
If there was any lingering doubt, Cena has personally confirmed that his retirement match will close the show. Additionally, despite circulating rumors, Adam Copeland was never considered for Cena’s retirement tour or final match, as he remains under AEW contract. There are also additional wrestlers present beyond what has been announced, with dark matches expected. WrestlingAttitude.Com will have full coverage following the conclusion of the event.
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Backstage News & Notes on John Cena’s Retirement Match and SNME
