As John Cena approaches the end of his WWE career, speculation is mounting about who might be his final opponent. Vince Russo recently hinted that Brock Lesnar could be booked as Cena’s last adversary, following their intense match earlier this year. This possibility has caught the attention of fans eager to see how Cena’s retirement will conclude.
Cena’s farewell tour took unexpected turns, including a tumultuous heel run. During WWE SummerSlam 2025, he was forced to alter his plans shortly before his scheduled title defense against Cody Rhodes. The situation worsened when Cena suffered a definitive defeat to Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza in Indiana, where Lesnar delivered six F5s to seal the victory.
On Behind The Turnbuckle Studios’ The Coach and Bro Show, wrestling veteran Vince Russo noted that WWE might be setting the stage for a rematch between Lesnar and Cena. He suggested that the way their last bout unfolded implies Lesnar could be Cena’s final opponent by design, though Russo remains open to other outcomes.
“I’m assuming that they’re going to come back to this [Brock Lesnar] for [John] Cena’s last match to get revenge on Lesnar, and he goes out with a victory. That’s what I’m assuming. If that does not happen and Lesnar dominated him the way he did and we never go back to that, which wouldn’t shock me either, but I would be very surprised Coach if that’s not the plan,” Vince Russo, wrestling veteran
John Cena’s Retirement Tour and Planned Matches
Throughout his retirement tour, John Cena has revisited rivalries from his extensive career. Despite portraying a heel during this phase, Cena has mostly come out on top, reinforcing his legacy as The Franchise Player. His final year as a full-time WWE performer will culminate with his retirement in December 2025.
One notable matchup that did not materialize was against AJ Styles. Fans expressed a strong desire to witness a confrontation between Cena and Styles before Cena’s departure, prompting Cena himself to engage with supporters on social media.
Listening to fan demand, WWE officially scheduled a one-on-one match between Cena and Styles at WWE Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth, Australia. This bout is anticipated to be a major highlight of Cena’s farewell events, with both wrestlers vying to emerge victorious on the international stage.
The Larger Significance of Cena’s Final Opponent Reveal
The question of John Cena’s final opponent carries significant weight in WWE storytelling and fan expectations. Booking Brock Lesnar as the last challenger would offer Cena a dramatic chance to redeem his Wrestlepalooza loss and end his career on a high note. It would also provide closure to one of WWE’s most intense rivalries in recent history.
Alternatively, Cena facing AJ Styles at Crown Jewel in his penultimate match adds another layer of excitement to his send-off. Both Styles and Lesnar are top-tier opponents, representing contrasting challenges that underscore Cena’s impact and versatility in the ring.
With Cena’s retirement set for the end of 2025, WWE’s creative decisions in these upcoming matches will shape the lasting legacy of one of the industry’s most celebrated performers, making the final months of his career a critical moment for both the company and its fanbase.
