• Why Randy Orton Will Miss John Cena’s Final Match
One of the most important rivals in John Cena’s career, Randy Orton, is reportedly going to miss Cena’s final match due to a commitment overseas.
Cena is scheduled to wrestle his retirement match against GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event tomorrow. However, while WWE is planning for many legends and past rivals to attend Cena’s retirement, Orton’s attendance is in doubt.
The Viper is currently in Saudi Arabia for the grand opening of MrBeast Land, a theme park created through a partnership between YouTube star MrBeast and WWE. Orton’s visit to Saudi Arabia is part of WWE’s ongoing business relationship with the region, which hosts many of the company’s major events.
Orton’s absence would be a major disappointment for many fans, given the long history between him and Cena, which spans almost 25 years, dating back to their days in OVW.
Their last match against each other took place at Backlash earlier this year, where Cena defeated Orton to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Also Read: Randy Orton’s WWE TV Return Date Revealed
• Tonight’s SmackDown Got Destroyed By Saturday Night’s Main Event In Ticket Sales
According to WrestleTix, WWE has sold 5,108 tickets so far for tonight’s SmackDown, which will take place at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, PA. 1,009 tickets are still available.
This number is lower than what WWE usually draws these days. WWE has sold almost 19,000 tickets for tomorrow’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Below is the card for tonight’s SmackDown:
– United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa
– The Terror Twins (Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley) vs. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega
– Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend
– SmackDown celebrates John Cena’s career one night before his final match
• More Legends Returning For Saturday Night’s Main Event, Including 2 McMahons
According to PWInsider, Trish Stratus, Stephanie McMahon, and Linda McMahon will attend tomorrow’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Michael Cole and Wade Barrett will call the action tomorrow night. Jesse Ventura, Stephanie, and Joe Tessitore will also be part of the broadcast team.
As of this writing, there are no signs of Vince McMahon and Donald Trump attending the event.
WWE released the moving graphic for John Cena vs. GUNTHER today:
CENA. GUNTHER.
ONE. FINAL. MATCH.
Don't miss John Cena's last match TOMORROW at #SNME, 8e/5p on @peacock! pic.twitter.com/s7hYu3eOlE
— WWE (@WWE) December 12, 2025
• 3 Legends Could Retire In WWE In 2026
The year 2026 could see up to three major wrestling legends retire from the ring, with Brock Lesnar reportedly joining AJ Styles in planning a farewell run with WWE.
Dave Meltzer shared that while nothing is fully decided, Lesnar’s name has come up in internal talks about long-term creative plans for 2026. The planning includes a retirement run for Lesnar and one for AJ Styles, and Meltzer noted that the working plans could also involve a retirement storyline for Chris Jericho, should he sign a deal with WWE. Jericho’s AEW contract is expected to expire at the end of 2025.
Meltzer clarified that of the three names, only AJ Styles has a locked-in retirement date, as he has repeatedly confirmed that 2026 will be his final year in wrestling.
The rumors about Lesnar’s retirement were recently strengthened after John Cena suggested Lesnar’s final match could take place in Minnesota. This fits because WWE has already announced that SummerSlam 2026 will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is Lesnar’s home state.
While the idea of Lesnar retiring at SummerSlam 2026 is not yet a final decision, the fact that WWE is discussing the farewell runs for Styles and Lesnar at the same time suggests the company is planning a major shift in its roster of top stars next year.
