John Cena Returns to Where It All Began: Final SmackDown Appearance Tonight at Allstate Arena in Chicago
This Friday night on WWE SmackDown, John Cena will take his final bow on the blue brand at the very arena where his legendary career began: the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
Cena made his SmackDown debut in that same building on June 27, 2002, answering Kurt Angle’s open challenge with the words “ruthless aggression” — a moment that kickstarted one of the most iconic runs in wrestling history.
Ahead of his farewell, Cena took to social media to share his feelings:
“My @WWE debut was on #Smackdown at @AllstateArena. Few, if any, places rival the feeling in that building with a sold-out Chicago crowd. We get to do it one last time for my final Smackdown appearance.”
My @WWE debut was on Smackdown at @AllstateArena. Few, if any, places rival the feeling in that building with a sold-out Chicago crowd. We get to do it one last time for my final Smackdown appearance.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) September 5, 2025
Tonight is one you are NOT going to want to miss. Let’s go CHI-TOWN!
A Career That Defined an Era
Before stepping under WWE’s bright lights, Cena sharpened his craft in Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) in California, competing as The Prototype. He went on to Ohio Valley Wrestling after signing with WWE in 2001, eventually transitioning from developmental to the main roster with a series of dark matches and house show appearances.
That all changed in 2002 when he walked into SmackDown in Chicago to face Kurt Angle. Even in defeat, Cena’s fiery debut put him on the map.
Over the years, Cena went on to become a 17-time world champion — 14 reigns with the WWE Championship and three as World Heavyweight Champion — setting the all-time record for most recognized world title reigns in wrestling history surpassing Ric Flair.
The End of the Road
Cena’s farewell SmackDown is one stop on his official retirement tour, which now has just eight appearances left. With Chicago fans filling the Allstate Arena, this Friday promises to be one of the most emotional and nostalgic moments of the tour.
While Cena is closing the chapter on his weekly WWE career, many expect him to remain connected to the company in some form, whether through a legends contract, special appearances, or simply his undeniable presence in WWE history.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
John Cena walking into the Allstate Arena one last time as an active SmackDown superstar is the kind of full-circle story WWE does best. His debut against Kurt Angle in 2002 wasn’t just a match — it was the start of an era. Now, more than 20 years later, he returns to say goodbye in front of the very fans who first saw him make history. Expect goosebumps, chants that shake the building, and a night that will remind everyone why Cena has been the face of WWE for two decades.
John Cena vs. Kurt Angle (FULL DEBUT MATCH in CHICAGO) 👇
