The John Cena farewell tour is officially on.
As we know, John Cena announced his retirement at WWE Money in the Bank in Toronto, setting up a big 2025 for Cena and many others in the WWE.
With 30 to 40 dates mentioned for Cena, it doesn’t necessarily mean 30 to 40 matches, but he will have quite a few matches before retiring, which seems likely by the end of next year.
The burning question remains: who will Cena face on his retirement tour, and more importantly, who will be his final opponent in WWE?
The Contenders for Cena’s Final Match
Let’s explore some potential candidates for Cena’s last match ever, which could be in December of next year or even later.
There are several worthy choices.
The Up-and-Comers
One option is to have Cena face an up-and-comer like Bron Breakker or Carmelo Hayes.
These wrestlers have significant futures ahead of them in WWE, and a match with Cena could propel them further.
However, since we are predicting a year and a half in advance, it’s difficult to guarantee where these wrestlers will stand by then.
While it’s a possibility, it’s not guaranteed that these matches would offer the most impact for a final John Cena bout.
Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes represents another compelling option.
While some see it as a potential “passing of the torch” moment, it’s arguable that Cody has already established himself as “the guy” in WWE.
Rhodes winning the championship and his involvement with Cena at WrestleMania 40 make it seem like the torch has already been passed.
However, there’s something intriguing about a matchup between these two during Cena’s retirement tour, highlighting their respective eras in WWE.
Yet, when considering finality, a Cena vs. Rhodes match may not be the strongest option.
CM Punk
CM Punk has arguably been one of John Cena’s best opponents.
Their matches, especially the Money in the Bank 2011 classic, are some of WWE’s most memorable bouts. Additionally, Punk recently hinted at a desire to wrestle Cena again, making it a feasible contender.
Despite their iconic past, the concern lies in whether they can recreate those historic encounters in their current forms.
Caution is necessary as expectations may need to be tempered compared to their previous matches.
The Final Picks
After considering various factors, the options narrow down to two main choices:
Gunther and Randy Orton.
Gunther
Gunther is a fascinating contender for Cena’s final opponent.
Picture this: a dominating force like Gunther as world champion facing John Cena in his last match, where Cena has the chance to break the world title-holding record with a 17th championship.
This scenario, perhaps themed as wrestling vs. sports entertainment, would not only offer a compelling storyline but also an ideal stage for a final showdown.
Gunther’s character as a wrestler who brings prestige and honor to the sport could be an excellent contrast to Cena’s sports entertainer persona. This match would have high stakes, especially if Triple H persists with his preference for long title reigns.
Gunther’s promo skills and Cena’s seasoned presence could make this showdown monumental.
Randy Orton
Randy Orton, Cena’s long-standing rival, seems to be the most natural choice.
Despite having faced each other numerous times, the history and chemistry between the two are undeniable. If Orton is physically fit, a Cena vs. Orton match would be the perfect closing chapter for Cena’s career.
Imagine Cena facing Orton one last time, with the WWE title on the line.
Not only would it symbolize the end of an era, but it would also provide a nostalgic yet thrilling bout for fans, bringing a storyline full circle.
The potential for this match is enormous, especially considering the possibility of different storyline paths leading up to it.
Who Does John Cena Face?
While many names have been floated – from Edge to Kurt Angle to newer stars – the two prime candidates for Cena’s final WWE match are Gunther and Randy Orton. Each offers a unique and compelling storyline, with stakes high enough to make Cena’s last match an unforgettable event.
Who do you think should be John Cena’s final opponent in WWE?
Let us know in the comments below and share your thoughts.
The journey to December 2025 is long, and many things could change, but as of now, Cena vs. Gunther or Cena vs. Orton seems like the matches to bet on.
Watch the video below for my FULL thoughts on potential opponents for John Cena in his last match in WWE!
For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!
