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NEW YORK – It was like Game 7.
There was a palpable buzz in the air at Madison Square Garden. Fans from across the United States gathered at “the most famous arena in the world” to catch one last glimpse of a legend.
His music struck and their time had come.
John Cena came out for his final scheduled appearance on “Monday Night Raw” of his WWE career. The New York crowd almost blew the roof off the building. The new intercontinental champion was there. As he tried to swim around the throaty “Thanks Cena!” chants, he addressed the crowd.
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John Cena faces Dominik Mysterio on “Monday Night RAW” at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2025 in New York. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
“You all get it. It’s New York that makes or breaks careers,” Cena said. “And at the end of mine, I look around and I see people as far as the eye can see. Thank you, New York.
“What a night. Madison Square Garden has allowed me to take the stage in these hallowed halls for 23 years. Tonight there’s a little extra excitement in the air because tonight is the last time we got to speak together – at Madison Square Garden and on ‘Monday Night Raw’. Bittersweet moment for some. It’s a very important moment for me.”
Dominik Mysterio interrupted Cena and demanded a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship – the title Cena won from him last week to become Grand Slam champion.
Mysterio didn’t want to collapse in New York. Instead, he challenged Cena for the title match at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29. As Cena won the title near his hometown last week, Mysterio will look to win back the championship in his hometown of San Diego.
Rey Mysterio, Intercontinental Champion John Cena and Sheamus celebrate after their match on “Monday Night RAW” at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2025 in New York. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
JOHN CENA ADDS AWESOME BRACE TO WWE RESUME
Cena didn’t leave MSG without a fight. Mysterio brought in his Judgment Day buddies to get an advantage, but Cena had his own buddies in his corner. Sheamus and Rey Mysterio joined him for a six-man match.
The WWE Legends took care of the heel faction as Cena pinned JD McDonagh.
Cena, Sheamus and Mysterio walked up the ramp to bid farewell to the New York crowd. Some fans, who have watched the 17-time WWE Champion’s entire career, have wondered, “Where have the last 23 years gone?”
Meanwhile, two more matches advanced WWE wrestlers at the Last Time is Now tournament.
John Cena enters the ring during SmackDown at 3Arena Dublin on August 22, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Joe Maher/WWE via Getty Images)
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Solo Sikoa defeated the returning Dolph Ziggler and Gunther made Je’Von Evans submit.
Cena still has two dates scheduled on his calendar. He will be present at WarGames and the Saturday Night Main Event on December 13.
