John Cena during the Men’s Royal Rumble match during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium.Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

John Cena’s Final Raw A Nostaglic Masterpiece From MSG 11/17/25

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Howe Fresh | Last updated Nov 18, 2025 11:28 AM ET

This week’s episode of WWE Monday Night Raw from Madison Square Garden was a special one for many reasons, and most of them had to do with John Cena. The Last Time is Now Tournament continued, his next PLE match was announced, and nostalgia was at an all-time high. Not to mention, this was billed as his final Raw appearance, ever.

John Cena’s Next PLE Match

Cena opened the show by coming to the ring for a promo. The energy in the historic building was electric, and the audience chanted so loudly that he didn’t speak for well over ten minutes. The crowd and the superstar, both seemingly never wanting the moment to end. There was no better moment to generate genuine heel heat.

Dominik Mysterio, fresh off losing the WWE Intercontinental Championship to Cena last week, went to the ring with a purpose. The championship rematch request was granted right there and then. Adding to the heat created, Mysterio made the match for November 29, 2025, at Survivor Series: War Games, in his hometown of San Diego, California.

John Cena’s Final Match On Raw

When he was forced to wait until Survivor Series to defend his title, Cena still wanted a match for his final Raw appearance. The Judgement Day attacked him three-on-one, but Sheamus and Rey Mysterio came to his aid. This resulted in a nostalgia-filled six-man tag.

Not only did the three babyface legends clearly have genuine joy written all over their faces, but the match was riddled with incredible moments. Sheamus paid homage to Cesaro by using his swing, while Mysterio started a “yes” chant in honor of Daniel Bryan. There was also a synchronized Ten Bears of the Bodran, and a triple-Five Knuckle Shuffle.

The Next Time Is Now Tournament

The Next Time is Now Tournament has already presented entertaining surprises, such as the return of Zach Ryder. The competition and intrigue continued on Raw when Solo Sikoa’s surprise opponent was Dolph Ziggler. The second match featured Gunther versus NXT’s Je’Von Evans. Sikoa and Gunther were victorious and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Click here to catch up on the two Canadian wrestlers taking over North America.

End Of My John Cena Rant

Cena’s next PLE match is decided, and the options for his final opponent are dwindling. Sheamus, Rusev, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Gunther, and Sikoa have all advanced. The final first-round matches are Penta versus Finn Balor and Carmella Hayes versus Bronson Reed.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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