WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII took place on March 16, 2024, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The event marked a significant milestone as it featured the final match of wrestling icon John Cena. After a storied career filled with accolades, Cena faced Gunther, the winner of the Last Time is Now Tournament, in what was anticipated to be an emotional showdown.
This year has been a tumultuous one for Cena. He encountered challenges with booking decisions, yet he consistently delivered impressive performances against renowned opponents like CM Punk, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton. Notably, he captured the Intercontinental Championship and broke the record for the most World Championship wins at WrestleMania, surpassing Ric Flair. This event also set the stage for Cena’s legacy to culminate against a formidable opponent.
Exciting Matchups Highlight the Event
In addition to Cena’s farewell bout, the event showcased a series of thrilling matches. The first featured AJ Styles and Dragon Lee defending their WWE World Tag Team Championship against rising stars Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater. This match was expected to be a display of high-flying action and athleticism. Styles, a seasoned performer, aimed to end his career on a high note while Lee sought to leverage his recent success in AAA to shine alongside Styles.
Meanwhile, in another exciting encounter, Sol Ruca faced Bayley. Ruca had an impressive year, holding both the Women’s Speed Championship and the NXT Women’s North American Championship. Bayley, known for her past achievements, experienced a challenging year with a fluctuating performance record. The matchup was poised to be an engaging contest, featuring Ruca’s rising talent against Bayley’s experience.
The card also included a match between Oba Femi and Cody Rhodes. Femi, a powerhouse, was expected to hold his own against Rhodes, the current WWE Champion. Their clash was anticipated to build a narrative of fan empathy as Femi sought to establish himself on the main roster. While victory for Femi seemed unlikely, an impressive showing was crucial for his future prospects.
Cena’s Legacy and Final Showdown
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the match between Cena and Gunther. It was speculated that this match might open the event, allowing time for Cena to deliver a farewell address post-match. Gunther’s unique style and proven track record made him a fitting opponent for Cena’s last match. Cena, known for his resilience, aimed to showcase his strength before a raucous crowd.
As the match unfolded, Cena began aggressively, showcasing his signature moves. However, Gunther’s brutal chops and strategic maneuvers quickly shifted the momentum. The anticipated conclusion saw Gunther delivering a powerbomb followed by a sleeper hold, ultimately securing the victory. This result marked a historic moment as Gunther became the fifth wrestler to make Cena tap out, a feat last achieved by Kurt Angle in 2004.
With this match, Cena’s illustrious wrestling career reached its conclusion. Speculation surrounds his future involvement in WWE, yet his return to the ring appears improbable given his numerous achievements. The night served not only as a farewell for Cena but also as a celebration of the new generation of wrestlers carving their paths in WWE.
Overall, Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII delivered electrifying matches and emotional farewells, leaving an indelible mark on WWE history.
