Cena will be in the building on Friday night for his final appearance on SmackDown as an active wrestler. WWE has advertised a celebration honoring his nearly quarter-century run with the company, which saw him become its only recognized 17-time world champion.

Tonight’s (Dec. 12) episode of SmackDown kicked off with GM Nick Aldis updating WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on the latest drama surrounding Drew McIntyre’s suspension. After Cody ambushed Drew in his car last week, McIntyre refuses to appear on SmackDown and is taking legal action against WWE for having an unsafe work environment.

John Cena became a 17-time WWE Champion at WrestleMania 41, defeating Cody Rhodes in the main event. The match was memorable for Travis Scott getting involved in the match and Cena embracing his heel personality. Fans were left disappointed by the match, though Cena, now a babyface, and Cody had redemption at WWE SummerSlam in a street fight.

Cody Rhodes defeated John Cena at SummerSlam 2025 to kickstart his second reign as WWE Champion. After climbing up the ranks to become the new face of WWE following his comeback to the company, Rhodes has had more success than anyone in the last few years with two Royal Rumble wins,

However, one specific segment has sparked immediate conversation across the wrestling world, as CM Punk appeared to use the platform to take a veiled jab at his former employer, AEW, and specifically his old rival,

The wrestling world was shocked at WWE Elimination Chamber when John Cena turned on Cody Rhodes and aligned with The Rock.