Netflix enlisted John Cena to bring Santa Claus to life in a festive and comedic twist during its NFL Christmas Gameday preshow on December 25, 2024. The promotional video, which kicked off the pregame festivities, featured Cena’s Santa grappling with the challenges of fulfilling the NFL’s Christmas “wish list.”
In the lighthearted sketch, Cena’s Santa lamented the modern-day difficulties of his job, including the dwindling number of fireplaces and chimneys in today’s homes. The humorous segment set a playful tone for Netflix’s inaugural foray into live-streamed NFL games, blending holiday cheer with the excitement of live sports.
This creative collaboration wasn’t just for laughs—it underscored Netflix’s bold expansion into live sports broadcasting. The Christmas Day lineup showcased two highly anticipated matchups: the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Houston Texans. The preshow and games marked a new holiday tradition for Netflix, offering football fans a unique way to celebrate Christmas.
Cena’s turn as Santa Claus was part of a star-studded event that also included performances by music icons Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, as well as appearances from comedians Bert Kreischer and Nate Bargatze.
The fun doesn’t stop there for Cena on Netflix. Starting January 6, 2025, WWE Raw will debut on the platform, with Cena headlining the first night and making multiple appearances throughout the year as part of his 2025 retirement tour.
