Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will not appear on the July 4, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown. The show was pre-taped in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, immediately following the June 30 episode of WWE RAW to accommodate the Independence Day holiday in the United States.
Cena’s absence is part of his meticulously planned 2025 farewell tour, which will be his final year as an active competitor. The champion’s next scheduled television appearance is set for the July 18 episode of WWE SmackDown in San Antonio, Texas, as he continues the build toward his major summer engagements.
Although Cena is not physically present on tonight’s broadcast, his path to SummerSlam will be a central focus. The newly crowned King of the Ring, Cody Rhodes, is scheduled to appear on the show. Having earned a championship match with his tournament victory, Rhodes is expected to continue building the foundation for his anticipated title clash with Cena.
This year-long retirement tour is set to include approximately 35 to 40 global appearances, with about 15-18 dates remaining on his schedule. Cena’s last match is confirmed for mid-December 2025. His last televised appearance was on the June 27 episode of SmackDown, which was broadcast from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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