WWE Renames 'Invasion'; Cena's Farewell Confirmed

WWE quietly renamed its Oct. 7 interpromotional special from “Invasion” to “NXT Showdown” after pushback because the date coincides with the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. The special will feature Survivor Series–style men's and women's elimination matches and confirmed title stakes, including Ethan Page vs. Mustafa Ali for the NXT North American Title, TNA World Tag Champions The Hardys vs. NXT Tag Champions Darkstate, and the return of The IInspiration to WWE. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY are booked in a tag match at Crown Jewel in Perth on Oct. 11, a card that also includes John Cena vs. AJ Styles. Cena has announced he is retiring from WWE and will make his final in-ring appearance — billed as his “One Last Dance” — on Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C., a change from earlier hometown plans. The fallout around Cena’s farewell has drawn backstage attention, with The Miz publicly upset about missing a final match with Cena and comments from former star Baron Corbin, while Styles has signaled his in-ring career is winding down toward 2026.