John Cena is back in Chicago tonight, and fans are calling it one of the most emotional nights in WWE history. This may be his last-ever appearance on SmackDown before he shifts completely to Raw and eventually retires. After tonight, Cena’s upcoming schedule includes the Raw after next week, Wrestlepalooza, Crown Jewel: Perth, Survivor Series: WarGames, and finally his retirement match on December 13, which will air live on NBC/Peacock.
That leaves only a couple of unconfirmed dates, and while it’s possible he could still appear on SmackDown again, it looks unlikely. Here are three reasons why tonight could really be John Cena’s last SmackDown.
Is This John Cena’s Last SmackDown? Here’s Why
3. His rivals are all on Raw
Cena’s current direction seems to place him on Raw more than SmackDown. Most of the big names linked to his retirement story like Gunther and Dominik Mysterio are already on Raw. Even AJ Styles, whom fans have begged to see face Cena one last time, is part of the Raw roster.
The only top name Cena could realistically face on SmackDown is Drew McIntyre. But with WWE wanting to give his final run a global spotlight, the Raw roster offers bigger opportunities. Cena has already had countless legendary moments on SmackDown, including WWE Championship reigns, so now it’s Raw’s turn to close out his story.
2. Netflix may want Cena on Raw
There’s also a business reason behind this possible switch. WWE content streams on Netflix worldwide, but in the United States, Netflix only holds the rights for Raw. SmackDown, meanwhile, airs on network television.
Since Cena’s retirement stretch is a huge box office attraction, Netflix might have specifically asked WWE to keep him on Raw. It benefits everyone: WWE gets maximum global exposure, Netflix gets a big star to pull more subscribers, and Cena gets to align his WWE farewell with his Hollywood career. Cena on Netflix gives his final matches a worldwide reach like never before.
1. Full-circle moment in Chicago
Cena’s debut took place in Chicago on SmackDown back in 2002, when he stepped up to Kurt Angle and introduced the world to “Ruthless Aggression.” WWE still replays that moment to this day.
Now, over 20 years later, having Cena’s last SmackDown match or appearance also take place in Chicago makes perfect sense. Wrestling fans love poetic endings, and this one would be symbolic closing the circle where it all started. Chicago is also one of WWE’s most historic wrestling cities, making it the perfect location for this chapter of Cena’s story to end.
