A Night of History, Emotion, and Electric Energy Inside The World’s Most Famous Arena
When WWE announced that John Cena would perform on RAW for the final time, fans knew it would be special. What no one could have predicted was just how monumental this night at Madison Square Garden would feel. Thanks to Netflix, we were inside the building to witness one of the most powerful wrestling events in years and a sendoff worthy of the greatest to ever do it.
From the moment the doors opened, it was clear this wasn’t an ordinary Monday night. The air crackled with nostalgia, energy, and gratitude for a career that changed the industry. Madison Square Garden has hosted countless legendary nights, but this one—this one felt different.
Arrival, Atmosphere, and the Netflix x WWE Bodega Pre-Party
Guests arrived through the VIP entrance before heading into the Netflix x WWE bodega-themed lounge inside the Delta Sky360° Club, which instantly set the tone for a major celebration. It was a vibrant, star-filled hub where entertainment and sports collided. Among those in attendance were Eric André, Brandon Marshall, Gabriel Iglesias, Sam Jay, AZ, Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Kid Mero, Chris Bauer, members of the Philadelphia Eagles (Cooper DeJean, Dom DiSandro), members of the New York Giants (Cam Skattebo, Abdul Carter), and many others.
From there, we transitioned to the Lexus Level Suite, where the views were spectacular and the crowd noise rolled through the building like thunder. MSG was already operating at full volume. You could feel the magnitude of the night the moment you stepped into the arena.
Cena Ignites a Seismic Reaction
Before RAW officially went live, fans enjoyed a WWE Main Event match and commentary team introductions. But as the clock approached airtime, the entire building stood still with anticipation.
Then, RAW went live.
Cena’s music hit and Madison Square Garden shook to its foundation. Thousands leapt to their feet in what became one of the loudest reactions the building has produced in decades. Cena stepped out with the poise, emotion, and charisma that defined his career, delivering an opening moment that honored his legacy and signaled the beginning of the end.
For some fans in the building, this was deeply personal. Brian H. Waters, host and producer of The Ringer Wrestling Show, shared:
“Witnessing John Cena’s final Raw live was special to me because wrestling runs deep in my family. My Uncle Mike passed away in 2012 and our last PLE party was watching Cena and The Rock at Survivor Series 2011 in this same building. To be here again meant everything. Wrestling gives us heroes and connections, and Cena was the bridge for generations.”
That sentiment was felt throughout the Garden. This was more than a farewell. It was an emotional chapter closing for millions of fans.
Dominik Mysterio Steals the Heat of the Night
Dominik Mysterio walked out next and instantly absorbed volcanic heat from the MSG crowd. Every attempt to speak was drowned out. The boos were suffocating, historic even. New York let Dom know exactly where he stood.
The segment led to a major announcement: a blockbuster match featuring John Cena, Rey Mysterio, and Sheamus vs. The Judgment Day at Survivor Series. That team upgrade set the tone for a night full of major shifts and surprise moments.
Dolph Ziggler Returns to a Massive Reaction
Speculation swirled about the mystery opponent in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament. When Dolph Ziggler appeared, the Garden erupted. Long underappreciated, Ziggler received a career-affirming ovation. Every near-fall had the crowd surging with momentum behind him.
His return wasn’t just a surprise—it was an emotional payoff for years of hard work and fan loyalty.
Je’Von Evans vs. Gunther Delivers a Show-Stealing Battle
Gunther’s return to RAW marked the start of one of the night’s best matches. Je’Von Evans refused to play the underdog, bringing fearless energy to the Ring General from the opening bell. Evans went move for move with one of the world’s best, delivering a breakout performance that had MSG fully behind him.
Gunther ultimately secured the submission victory, but both men walked out having created a match that fans will talk about for a long time.
Maxxine Dupri’s Shock Championship Win
In one of the night’s most emotional moments, Maxxine Dupri shocked the wrestling world by defeating Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lynch’s frustration with referee Jessika Carr cost her dearly, and AJ Lee’s surprise return pushed the drama over the edge.
Dupri launched off the top rope and scored the three-count in a massive upset, creating what will undoubtedly be one of the milestone moments of her career.
WarGames Chaos Erupts to Close the Show
If the night had ended there, it already would have been unforgettable. But RAW’s final segment delivered absolute chaos in the best possible way.
Paul Heyman introduced Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed as four of the men set to compete in The Vision’s WarGames team at Survivor Series. Then everything broke down.
CM Punk hit the stage and charged the ring, eyes locked on the opposing team. Moments later, The Usos emerged through the crowd to a thunderous ovation, followed by Cody Rhodes, sending MSG into a frenzy.
Then Brock Lesnar arrived.
The Beast laid waste to Punk and Rhodes, but before he could fully impose his dominance, the arena erupted again.
Roman Reigns returned.
The Tribal Chief marched to the ring, stared straight through Lesnar, and dropped him with a Superman Punch. The resulting brawl spilled everywhere—top rope standoffs, barricade destruction, and the kind of pandemonium that only MSG can host. The final spear through the timekeeper’s area closed the show with absolute carnage.
As Emmy Award–winning host Kazeem “Kaz” Famuyide put it:
“I go to a lot of Knicks games, and I’ve never seen the energy outside the arena or the way a show started like I saw last night. Cena still brings them out. His GOAT case is as strong now as it’s ever been. The Garden gets a special type of loud for special moments, and last night was one of them.”
A Legendary Night in Wrestling History
John Cena’s final RAW at Madison Square Garden wasn’t simply a televised event. It was a generational celebration, a night of surprises and returns, and one of the most electric atmospheres WWE has created in years.
The farewells, the reactions, the matches, the emotion, the star power — and the “Thank you Cena” chants echoing into the streets of New York long after the show ended — made this an unforgettable chapter in wrestling history.
As Cena’s career approaches its end, nights like this remind us why he became the standard-bearer for an entire era.
The last time is now. And New York City showed up to say goodbye.
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