With John Cena set to hang up his wrestling boots at the end of the year, we review some of his potential opponents in the next few months.
John Cena’s WWE Championship Run
Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. However, his title run was criticized after he turned heel and formed a faction with The Rock in a bizarre storyline that the company never followed up on.
Despite that, Cena remains a huge attraction for the WWE, and his final matches of 2025 are set to feature some high-profile opponents. In the latest episode of Monday Night RAW, it was confirmed that the 17-time world champion will defend his title against old rival CM Punk at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia later this month.
In addition, fans are still waiting for the WrestleMania rematch between Cena and Rhodes, which could take place at SummerSlam. Here are other opponents “The Doctor of Thuganomics” could face before he retires:
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#1 LA Knight
One of the biggest babyfaces on the roster, LA Knight has remained popular with the WWE Universe for the last three years after getting over on his own. The former United States Champion can be the challenger that Cena needs.
With Cena’s tight schedule, a short feud with Knight can help the latter maintain his status in the upper card and possibly set him up for another major feud with an active wrestler later on.
#2 Roman Reigns
While a return date is still unknown, it cannot be ruled out that Reigns will get another program with Cena before the end of the year. The pair had multiple captivating feuds in the past, and given their current personas, it will be interesting to see how their promos unfold.
In addition, a match of such caliber can be squeezed into Cena’s schedule towards the end, as it does not need to be for any championship. Both superstars are Hollywood-bound and in their prime. One final match would draw money for the company.
#3 The Rock
After joining forces with The Rock and turning heel at WrestleMania, it is unlikely that Cena will retire on bad terms with the crowd. If he leaves the world of professional wrestling as a babyface, there is no bigger match to have than with The Final Boss himself.
It does seem a stretch, but if the fans start voicing their opinion on social media, The Rock could be tempted to make such a match happen. Fans might argue that an encounter of this magnitude needs a WrestleMania stage, but with Cena retiring, a program between the two could be brought forward for an event like Survivor Series.