The Cenation Leader is heading back to familiar territory as WWE’s biggest summer spectacle approaches. John Cena’s championship tour will make a significant stop in Newark, New Jersey, bringing SmackDown back to the Prudential Center for the first time since 2018.
SmackDown Returns to Newark After Seven-Year Absence
The Prudential Center made waves on social media by announcing WWE’s return to their venue. The Newark arena will host SmackDown on August 2nd, serving as the final television stop before SummerSlam’s inaugural two-night format.
JUST ANNOUNCED: For the first time in 7 years, @WWE SmackDown returns to Newark the night before SummerSlam with nonstop action as John Cena continues ‘The Last Time is Now’ tour along with the biggest WWE Superstars! Tickets on sale Fri., June 27 at 10am.”
This marks a homecoming of sorts for WWE programming at the venue. The last SmackDown episode aired from Newark on October 23, 2018, while Raw was the final WWE show there in July 2019.
Cena’s Championship Reign Faces Multiple Challenges
The 16-time World Champion enters this stretch with his WWE Championship potentially on the line at SummerSlam. However, his opponent remains undetermined, hinging on the outcome of the King of the Ring tournament finale scheduled for Night of Champions on June 28.
Before any SummerSlam plans solidify, Cena must navigate a championship defense against CM Punk at Night of Champions. This bout could reshape the entire landscape heading into WWE’s premier summer event.
“The Last Time is Now” Tour Continues
Cena’s current championship run has been branded as “The Last Time is Now” tour, suggesting significant implications for his future in WWE. The Newark appearance represents a crucial television moment as WWE builds toward their historic two-night SummerSlam format.
Venue’s Wrestling History and Recent Changes
The Prudential Center’s relationship with professional wrestling has evolved considerably in recent years. Since WWE’s 2019 departure, All Elite Wrestling has established a strong presence at the venue, with Dynamite last emanating from Newark in January 2024.
For Cena personally, the venue holds memories from nearly a decade ago. His last televised match at the Prudential Center occurred in March 2015, where he defeated Curtis Axel on Monday Night Raw.
SummerSlam’s Historic Two-Night Format
WWE’s decision to expand SummerSlam into a two-night spectacular mirrors the successful WrestleMania format. Taking place on August 2nd and 3rd in New Jersey, this marks uncharted territory for the company’s second-biggest annual event.
The championship picture remains fluid with multiple variables at play. King of the Ring tournament results, Night of Champions outcomes, and the go-home SmackDown episode will all factor into SummerSlam’s final card configuration.
As WWE prepares for this landmark event, Cena’s championship reign continues generating intrigue. Will his Newark return provide the momentum needed to carry the title into SummerSlam, or could this SmackDown episode mark the beginning of the end for his latest championship run?
