WWE veteran Tommy Dreamer recently expressed his amazement at the crowd reactions during John Cena’s final Monday Night Raw appearance at Madison Square Garden, stating “it totally delivered.” The November 17, 2025 episode marked a historic moment as the 17-time WWE World Champion bid farewell to the red brand in one of wrestling’s most iconic venues.
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WWE Madison Square Garden Farewell
As John Cena entered the arena, thunderous “Thank you Cena!” chants erupted from over 20,000 passionate fans who came to witness history. The Intercontinental Champion opened the show to an overwhelming reception, creating an atmosphere that veteran wrestler Tommy Dreamer found particularly remarkable.
Tommy Dreamer’s Assessment
| Comparison Point | Boston (Nov 10) | MSG (Nov 17) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan Energy | High | Deafening | MSG |
| Crowd Volume | Strong | Louder | MSG |
| Overall Impact | Emotional | “Totally Delivered” | MSG |
| Venue Significance | Hometown | Historic Arena | MSG |
Speaking on the Busted Open podcast, Dreamer compared fan reactions from Cena’s Boston hometown appearance the previous week to the Madison Square Garden show, noting that New York fans were surprisingly louder despite Boston being Cena’s birthplace. The ECW legend praised how WWE built the entire show around Cena’s final appearance, and it exceeded all expectations.
The Main Event: A Perfect Send-Off
What started as Cena addressing the crowd turned into action when Dominik Mysterio and Judgment Day attacked, prompting Sheamus and Rey Mysterio to make heroic saves, transforming the segment into an epic six-man tag match.
Cena secured victory by pinning JD McDonagh with his signature Attitude Adjustment, receiving a standing ovation as the crowd gave their appreciation to the departing legend.
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Cena’s Emotional Message to MSG
During his speech, Cena acknowledged New York’s importance, saying “Y’all got it twisted. It’s New York City that makes or breaks careers,” before thanking the city for 23 years of memories at Madison Square Garden. The emotion was palpable as the veteran struggled to maintain composure amid the overwhelming support.
What’s Next for John Cena
The retirement tour continues with several critical dates:
- November 29, 2025: Survivor Series WarGames in San Diego (Intercontinental Championship defense against Dominik Mysterio)
- December 13, 2025: Final WWE match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Stay updated on John Cena’s retirement tour and other wrestling news at WWE’s official website.
Why This Moment Mattered
Madison Square Garden holds special significance in Cena’s career—it’s where he won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania XX and returned shockingly to win the 2008 Royal Rumble. Closing his Raw chapter at this historic venue provided perfect symmetry to an illustrious 23-year career.
The show featured celebrity attendees including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eric André, Gabriel Iglesias, and members of the New York Giants, highlighting the cultural impact of Cena’s farewell.
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The Wrestling Community Reacts
Fans and wrestlers alike flooded social media with tributes. The moment resonated beyond wrestling enthusiasts, capturing mainstream attention as one of sports entertainment’s greatest performers prepared to hang up his boots after over two decades of “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect.”
Tommy Dreamer’s assessment that the show “totally delivered” perfectly encapsulates how WWE successfully honored Cena’s legacy while creating an unforgettable spectacle that satisfied both casual viewers and hardcore wrestling fans.
Visit WWE’s official Peacock channel to stream Cena’s remaining matches and relive classic moments from his legendary career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Tommy Dreamer think Madison Square Garden fans were louder than Boston fans for Cena?
Boston was Cena’s hometown, so many expected it to be the most emotional show. However, Madison Square Garden’s historic significance in wrestling—being “The World’s Most Famous Arena” and the site of many of Cena’s career-defining moments—created an atmosphere that transcended hometown pride. The 20,000-plus MSG crowd understood they were witnessing the last time Cena would perform on Raw in this legendary venue, creating an intensity that even surpassed the hometown Boston reception. Dreamer noted that WWE intelligently built the entire show around this farewell, maximizing emotional impact.
Q: When and where is John Cena’s actual final WWE match?
John Cena’s final WWE match will take place on December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. His opponent will be determined through “The Last Time Is Now” tournament currently underway on WWE programming. Before that, Cena will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series WarGames on November 29, 2025, in San Diego. The December 13 match will stream on Peacock and mark the official end to Cena’s remarkable 23-year in-ring career.
