Following a controversial title defense at Night of Champions, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena’s next appearance on WWE programming has been confirmed. According to the company’s official website, Cena is scheduled for the July 18th edition of Friday Night SmackDown in San Antonio, Texas.
This will mark his first appearance since the premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he retained his championship against CM Punk. The conclusion of that match, the first singles contest between the two in over a decade, was mired in chaos. Interference from a faction led by Seth Rollins ultimately allowed Cena to secure the victory after Rollins delivered a Curb Stomp to Punk.
The champion’s return to SmackDown is expected to set the stage for his next major title defense. Cena is anticipated to face King of the Ring winner Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam on August 2-3. A direct confrontation between the two is highly likely for the July 18th broadcast as the company builds toward its marquee summer event.
Cena’s current run is part of his announced retirement tour, which is slated to conclude in 2025. His appearance in San Antonio is one of approximately 15 dates remaining on his farewell schedule.
READ MORE: WWE’s Strategic Plan Behind CM Punk’s Saudi Arabia Apology Revealed
