WWE pushing "the beginning of the end" for John Cena

WWE is set to begin its massive new RAW Netflix era next week. At the same time, John Cena will kick off his retirement tour that will wrap up his career at the end of 2025. With less than one week until The Cenation leader begins his farewell, WWE is pushing a new narrative for the campaign.

The Face That Runs The Place announced his WWE retirement months back, noting that he will wrap up his 26-year career at the end of 2025 after a year-long campaign, which will include his final WrestleMania. Cena will return to RAW next Monday to begin his retirement campaign, and while there's no word yet on his first opponent, names like Randy Orton and Logan Paul have been rumored.

World Wrestling Entertainment is now touting next week's RAW as the beginning of the end for the former Prototype. The company has officially announced John Cena's Farewell Tour, touting the Netflix premiere as the first stop.

"2025 will mark John Cena's Farewell Tour and the first stop will be at the RAW on Netflix Premiere in the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. What will 2025 look like for The Greatest of All Time? Don't miss the beginning of the end, next week at 8 ET/5 PT on Netflix!" reads the official RAW preview.

WWE also has Cena confirmed for the Royal Rumble on February 1, but it's not clear if he will compete in the 30-Man Royal Rumble main event, or work some other match. The 16-time world champion is also official for the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event on March 1 in Toronto, and WrestleMania 41 on April 19 and 20 in Las Vegas. Cena is rumored to work full-time next year.

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Updated lineup for the WWE RAW

World Wrestling Entertainment will air the first RAW episode of 2025 as the big Netflix premiere, live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on January 6. Below is the updated lineup:

• The three-hour format returns
• John Cena makes first stop on his 2025 retirement tour
• Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre
• Last Woman Standing Match for the Women's World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
• CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
• Tribal Combat: Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa for the Ula Fala and recognition as Tribal Chief of the Anoaʻi Family

WWE is promising additional special guests and surprises for next Monday's RAW. Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Bianca Belair are also confirmed to appear.