John Cena kicked off his WWE retirement tour in January 2025, turning what felt like the end into a global celebration. First up: the Royal Rumble, then Elimination Chamber, WrestleMania 41, and more across the year—ending in December with a final match fans can’t stop speculating about.
Gunther’s Shot at Immortality
Rumors swirling around ✅ Gunther—the Austrian powerhouse and reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion—as Cena’s last opponent. He’s never squared off with Cena before, but he’s made it clear: “It’s the last chance to get in the ring with him… I would definitely take that.”
For Gunther, it’s about more than bragging rights—it’s about securing a legacy-defining moment. He’s even joked about crushing Cena’s dreams in their final showdown.
Other Names Tossed Into the Mix
Speculation isn’t limited to Gunther. JBL’s “Something to Wrestle” podcast named big heavyweights like Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns—and even The Rock—as prime contenders. JBL said a clash with The Rock would be poetic, since The Rock helped Cena turn heel later in his legendary run.
So, do we get nostalgia? Or a fresh storyline? That’s the million-dollar question WWE is still playing around with.
What’s at Stake and Why It Matters
More than just a match, Cena’s final opponent symbolizes closure:
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For Cena: A chance to hang up the sneakers on his own terms—victor or not.
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For his opponent: Instant notoriety and career elevation. Facing Cena in your final bout? That’s headline gold.
It’s like the last page of a bestselling book—the ending needs to hit home.
Cena’s Final Opponent Pros & Cons
| Name | Pros of Facing Cena | Possible Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gunther | Fresh, undefeated face; huge opportunity & legacy | Never faced Cena: chemistry unknown |
| The Rock | Iconic build-up, high nostalgia, massive spectacle | Overused rivalry; less unpredictable outcome |
| Brock Lesnar | Intensity plus star power; fans love it | Cena’s timing vs Brock’s sporadic booking |
| Roman Reigns | Mega main-event feel; modern fan favorite | Feuled again? Might feel predictable |
Conclusion
John Cena’s no stranger to grand finales—and his farewell deserves nothing less. Whether he enters the ring one last time with Gunther, The Rock, Lesnar, or another formidable challenger, WWE’s got a golden moment to nail. It’s about closure, legacy, and giving fans one final cinematic payoff. December 2025 better be something else.