What Time Does WWE Raw Start for John Cena's Last Netflix Appearance?

This week’s WWE Monday Night Raw is poised to be an emotional event as fans prepare to bid farewell to John Cena, a wrestling legend, who is set to make his final appearance on the show. Having been a cornerstone of WWE since 2002, Cena's retirement marks the end of an era, bringing a mix of nostalgia and excitement as he recently clinched the Intercontinental Championship, making his last Raw at Madison Square Garden a memorable occasion.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

WWE fans are gearing up for an emotional goodbye as John Cena prepares for his last appearance on Monday Night Raw. Scheduled for 1am BST on Netflix for UK viewers, this event will see Cena wrestling in the iconic Madison Square Garden, where he hopes to leave a lasting legacy. As the current Intercontinental Champion, Cena's last match is set for Saturday Night's Main Event on 13 December 2023, and his participation at Survivor Series: WarGames is also anticipated. This week’s Raw promises to be significant, not only for Cena but for WWE's broader landscape, as fans eagerly await how the night will unfold.

Key takeaways

John Cena will make his final appearance on WWE Monday Night Raw at Madison Square Garden.
Cena recently won the Intercontinental Championship, adding excitement to his farewell tour.
The episode airs live on Netflix at 1am BST for UK viewers.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading to Cena's final appearance:

2002: John Cena debuted in WWE, quickly becoming a fan favourite.
2023: Cena announces his retirement plans, leading to a year-long farewell tour.
27 September 2023: Cena wins the Intercontinental Championship from Dominik Mysterio.
03 October 2023: Cena's final Raw appearance at Madison Square Garden.
13 December 2023: Scheduled for his last match at Saturday Night's Main Event.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week marks John Cena's last appearance on Monday Night Raw, creating a significant moment for fans and the WWE universe. Additionally, he will defend his newly acquired Intercontinental Championship, which adds to the anticipation of the evening.

What was already established

It has been known for some time that Cena plans to retire. His farewell tour has been highlighted by various matches throughout the year, culminating in this week’s Raw and his final match scheduled for December. Cena's impact on WWE has been profound, and his departure signifies the end of a significant chapter in wrestling history.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

WWE's move to Netflix has provided UK fans with easier access to its content at no additional cost, making it more convenient for viewers to catch live events and catch up later. Cena's farewell tour is likely to boost viewership, enhancing the overall experience for fans.

Businesses and jobs

As WWE continues to evolve, the departure of a major star like Cena may lead to shifts in audience engagement and merchandise sales. New talent may emerge as fans look for the next big star following Cena's retirement.

Policy and regulation

The WWE's programming and content distribution strategies continue to adapt, particularly with streaming services like Netflix playing a central role. The success of this model could influence future negotiations and partnerships with other platforms.

Numbers that matter

21: The number of championships won by John Cena throughout his WWE career.
1: Cena's final Raw appearance on 03 October 2023.
2: The number of final matches scheduled for Cena, including Saturday Night’s Main Event and Survivor Series.
2002: The year Cena made his WWE debut.
3: The number of major titles Cena currently holds, including the Intercontinental Championship.

Definitions and jargon buster

WWE: World Wrestling Entertainment, a global media and entertainment company primarily known for professional wrestling.
Intercontinental Championship: A title in WWE that has been held by many notable wrestlers, considered a prestigious championship.
Survivor Series: One of WWE's annual pay-per-view events featuring traditional elimination matches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should prepare for an emotional Raw, while also anticipating Cena's final matches. The WWE landscape may see shifts in storylines as new stars emerge in Cena's absence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As WWE continues to evolve, future storylines and character developments will likely revolve around filling the gap left by Cena. New talent development will be crucial to maintain interest among fans.

Signals to watch

Viewership numbers for Cena's final Raw and subsequent events.
Merchandise sales trends post-Cena's retirement.
Emergence of new stars and shifts in championship titles.

Practical guidance

Do

Watch Cena's final Raw live to appreciate the moment.
Engage with fellow fans on social media to share memories and sentiments.
Follow WWE's announcements for upcoming events and star introductions.

Don’t

Don’t miss Cena’s last match; it's a significant moment in wrestling history.
Don’t dismiss the potential impact of Cena's retirement on future storylines.
Don’t forget to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.

Checklist

Set reminders for Cena's final Raw and upcoming events.
Prepare to discuss Cena's impact with friends and family.
Stay updated on WWE's future programming and talent developments.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Cena's retirement is confirmed, the future of WWE remains unpredictable. The emergence of new stars and shifts in audience preferences could significantly impact WWE's direction. Additionally, the dynamics of streaming service partnerships may evolve as WWE seeks to maximise viewership and engagement. Fans should remain cautious about potential changes in their favourite programming.

Bottom line

John Cena's last appearance on WWE Monday Night Raw marks a poignant moment for fans and the wrestling community as a whole. This farewell is not just an end but a transition for WWE, as new stars are likely to rise in Cena's absence. As fans, it is essential to cherish this moment while looking forward to what the future holds for WWE.

FAQs

When does John Cena's final WWE Monday Night Raw air?

John Cena's final WWE Monday Night Raw will air live on 03 October 2023 at 1am BST on Netflix for UK viewers.

What titles does John Cena currently hold?

As of now, John Cena is the current Intercontinental Champion, having won the title recently from Dominik Mysterio.

What is the significance of Cena's farewell tour?

Cena's farewell tour signifies the closing chapter of his illustrious wrestling career, marking his contributions to WWE since 2002 and paving the way for new talent.