John Cena receives tributes from Brady, Manning and Snoop Dogg before his final match

John Cena is hours away from stepping into the WWE ring for the last time, and the farewell already feels special. During SmackDown, the company aired video messages from Tom Brady, Eli and Peyton Manning, Snoop Dogg, Jelly Roll, and Jimmy Fallon, all sending respect to the “Cenation Leader.”

The gesture surprised fans, who saw how John Cena became a bridge between sports and pop culture. The wrestler will be remembered as one of the best for his presence in the ring and his bond with fans.

A farewell with weight

John Cena earned praise from Brady, who recalled the inspiration the actor and wrestler has given inside and outside the ring. Eli Manning joked about his past as a Patriots fan, while Peyton joined the congratulations. Snoop Dogg promised to light one in his honor, and Fallon highlighted what Cena means to WWE.

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— EliteRockerz Clips (@ERClipssss) December 13, 2025

As Firstsportz noted, the wave of tributes confirms that the retirement of the “Prototype” is an event that transcends wrestling. John Cena became a mandatory reference for WWE, even after his leap into acting.

The final challenge

John Cena confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that his farewell match will close Saturday Night’s Main Event. His opponent will be Gunther, in a duel promising intensity and emotion before nearly 20,000 fans in Washington D.C.

John Cena confirms that he will be closing Saturday Night’s Main Event

(@PatMcAfeeShow)

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— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) December 12, 2025

The organization set no time limit for the event, raising expectations for a night without abrupt cuts, unlike other recent retirements.

Rivals and memories

John Cena also received an unexpected tribute from The Miz, who on SmackDown imitated his famous “You Can’t See Me” and hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle during a match. Although he never faced Cena during the retirement tour, the “A-Lister” publicly recognized the importance of their rivalry.

There is reportedly no set run time for Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend so everyone on the card will get all the time they need.

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— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 10, 2025

Miz admitted he tried to secure one last showdown, but circumstances didn’t allow it. Still, his tribute reflected the respect John Cena earned even from rivals.

The legacy intact

John Cena, now close to 50, leaves behind a career filled with titles, records, and unforgettable moments. His farewell is not only a sporting closure but also a cultural symbol that confirms why he is called “The Babe Ruth of WWE.”