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NEW YORK – It felt like Game 7.
There was a palpable buzz in the air at Madison Square Garden. Fans from across the United States filled the “World’s Most Famous Arena” to catch a glimpse of a legend one last time.
His music hit and their time was now.
John Cena came out for his final scheduled “Monday Night Raw” appearance of his WWE career. The people of New York almost blew the roof off the building. The new Intercontinental Champion was here. When he tried to swim around in the raucous “Thank you Cena!” chants, he addressed the crowd.
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John Cena faces Dominik Mysterio during “Monday Night RAW” at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2025 in New York City. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
“You guys got it twisted. It’s New York City that makes or breaks careers,” Cena said. “And at the end of mine, I look around and see people as far as the eye can see. Thank you, New York City.
“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 bit of extra enthusiasm in the air because tonight is the last time we’ll be able to speak together – in 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 a Grand Slam Champion.
Mysterio didn’t want to throw down in New York. Instead, he challenged Cena to a title match at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29. Just like Cena won the title near his hometown last week, Mysterio will look to regain the championship in his hometown of San Diego.
Rey Mysterio, Intercontinental Champion John Cena and Sheamus celebrate after their match during “Monday Night RAW” at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2025 in New York City. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
JOHN CENA ADDS ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE APPEARANCE TO THE WWE RETURN
Cena didn’t leave MSG without a fight. Mysterio brought out his doomsday friends to gain an advantage, but Cena had his own friends in his corner. Sheamus and Rey Mysterio came out to join him for a six-man match.
The WWE Legends took care of the heel faction as Cena pinned JD McDonagh.
Cena, Sheamus and Mysterio went back up the ramp to say goodbye to the New York crowd. Some fans who have seen the entire career of the 17-time WWE Champion wondered, “Where did the last 23 years go?”
Meanwhile, two more matches advanced WWE wrestlers in the Last Time is Now tournament.
John Cena enters the ring during SmackDown at The 3Arena Dublin on August 22, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Joe Maher/WWE via Getty Images)
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Solo Sikoa defeated a returning Dolph Ziggler and Gunther submitted Je’Von Evans.
Cena has two more scheduled dates left on his record. He will be at WarGames and Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th.
