• Backstage Reaction To Randy Orton Missing John Cena’s Final Match
John Cena officially retired at Saturday Night’s Main Event after tapping out to GUNTHER’s Sleeper Hold, bringing an end to his legendary WWE career.
The show featured several tributes to The GOAT, with many important figures from Cena’s journey in attendance, including Stephanie McMahon, Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Kevin Owens, Trish Stratus and Eve Torres.
One notable absence, however, was Cena’s greatest rival, Randy Orton. The Viper was in Saudi Arabia at the time, taking part in promotional work ahead of the first-ever Royal Rumble Premium Live Event in the kingdom, which is scheduled for next month. Orton was also involved in promotional activities connected to the MrBeast Land project.
According to Fightful Select, some people backstage at Saturday Night’s Main Event were disappointed that Orton wasn’t able to be present for Cena’s retirement match.
Orton has not appeared on WWE programming since early October, but he recently confirmed that he will be in Riyadh for Royal Rumble weekend.
Randy issued the following statement about missing Cena’s retirement:
“I broke into the wrestling business and grew up for the past 2 decades alongside @johncena I wrestled with or against him 100 times, at least. I would have enjoyed being there in DC for #wwe #snme and witness his emotional send off into retirement. But I know if ANYONE understands my absence, it’s John, because I was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia #KSA promoting #riyadhseason and #royalrumble.
The morning of his retirement we exchanged a few texts, and I was honored to speak with him on such a big day. I look forward to following John’s career in Hollywood AND beyond. Sky’s the limit with this guy. An inspiration not only to generations of fans, but to myself, who was lucky enough to learn firsthand from one of the most OVER wrestlers ever. Thanks for being so good to my family over the years and thanks for making the locker room a better place. Take care John, and I’ll see ya around.”
• SPOILERS: SmackDown Results (Dec 26, 2025) – Champion Pinned
WWE taped the episode of SmackDown after Christmas Day tonight at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Below are the complete results from the show:
– Damian Priest opened the show with a promo, but was interrupted by Zelina Vega. Aleister Black and Vega then attacked Priest.
– Nia Jax and Lash Legend cut a promo backstage.
– Aleister Black attacked Damian Priest backstage.
– Nia Jax & Lash Legend defeated WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors in a non-title match. Jax pinned Kairi Sane.
After the match, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte cleared the ring.
– Giulia cut a promo backstage.
– Giulia defeated Alba Fyre.
– United States Champion Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes defeated DIY.
– WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) (c) vs. My Family Tree (JC Mateo & Tonga Loa) ended in a No Contest after a brawl broke out.
