The wrestling world prepares to bid farewell to one of its biggest superstars, but the man who discovered John Cena may not be ringside for the historic moment. Industry insiders suggest Vince McMahon’s attendance at Saturday Night’s Main Event remains doubtful, marking another chapter in the former WWE chairman’s continued absence from company programming.
McMahon’s Absence Expected for Cena’s Final Bow
Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez recently addressed speculation surrounding McMahon’s potential appearance at Cena’s retirement ceremony in Washington, DC. The veteran journalist characterized the former WWE boss’s attendance as “increasingly unlikely — not impossible, but unlikely.
This assessment suggests WWE officials aren’t banking on their former leader making a surprise return for one of the company’s most significant farewells in recent memory. The uncertainty adds an unexpected element to what should be a celebration of Cena’s legendary career.
The Last Time McMahon and Cena Shared the Spotlight
McMahon’s television presence has been virtually non-existent since June 2022, when he delivered a surprise introduction for Cena during the 16-time world champion’s 20th anniversary celebration on Monday Night Raw. That appearance now serves as a poetic bookend to their professional relationship.
The timing of that final on-screen moment creates an interesting parallel — McMahon’s last WWE television appearance coincidentally centered around honoring the very superstar now preparing for retirement. Few could have predicted that Monday Night Raw segment would represent the end of McMahon’s on-screen era.
Legal Battles Keep Former Chairman Away
McMahon’s extended absence stems largely from serious legal challenges that have dominated headlines throughout 2024. Former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against both McMahon and WWE earlier this year, bringing allegations of sexual misconduct and human trafficking that continue working through the court system.
Additional legal pressure comes from the revived “ring boys” lawsuit, which names both Vince and Linda McMahon as defendants. The case alleges the couple ignored sexual abuse of minors by former WWE crew chief Mel Phillips during the 1980s, adding another layer to McMahon’s legal difficulties.
New Business Ventures Replace Wrestling Focus
Rather than dwelling on wrestling matters, McMahon has pivoted toward fresh business opportunities through his private investment firm, 14+I. The company targets sports, media, and entertainment deals, representing McMahon’s first major project since resigning from TKO Group amid the lawsuit controversy.
Cena’s Unwavering Loyalty Despite Controversy
Throughout McMahon’s legal troubles, Cena has maintained his support for the man he considers a father figure. The retiring superstar made his feelings clear earlier this year with a powerful statement of loyalty:
“I still love Vince McMahon and I don’t care who hears it.”
This unwavering support demonstrates the deep personal bond between the two men, transcending the professional relationship that launched Cena to superstardom. Their connection represents one of WWE’s most successful mentor-protégé partnerships in company history.
A Farewell Without the Father Figure
As Saturday Night’s Main Event approaches, Cena’s retirement ceremony appears destined to proceed without the physical presence of the man who gave him his first major opportunity. While McMahon’s influence on Cena’s career remains undeniable, current circumstances suggest their final chapter together already concluded on that Raw stage in 2022.
The absence would mark a significant departure from WWE tradition, where major retirements typically feature appearances from key figures in a wrestler’s career. Will McMahon surprise everyone and show up anyway, or has the wrestling world already witnessed their final shared moment?