John Cena is set to retire from in-ring WWE competition on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event, sparking widespread speculation about who his final WWE opponent will be. Wrestling executive and Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff recently discussed the possibility of Cena’s last match being a rematch against Brock Lesnar, highlighting the hopeful narrative fans are eager to see unfold.
Eric Bischoff Weighs In on Cena’s Final Match Prospects
Following Brock Lesnar’s dominant victory over John Cena at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, where Lesnar landed six consecutive F-5 finishing moves, rumors swirled about a potential rematch serving as Cena’s farewell match. Bischoff addressed these speculations on his 83 Weeks podcast, expressing his enthusiasm for a final showdown between the longtime rivals. He emphasized the appeal of a redemption storyline, where Cena overcomes Lesnar in his last bout.
“If the story going forward is as you previously laid out and this ends up with John and Brock in John’s final match, and John finally overcomes, it’s a redemption story. I love redemption stories. They always work for me. If it’s a Disney redemption story, I’ll actually shed a tear or two. If there’s a dog involved, I’ll be a balling idiot. So, I hope that that [Cena vs. Lesnar] is the case.”
— Eric Bischoff, WWE executive and podcast host
Mixed Reactions to Wrestlepalooza Bout Between Lesnar and Cena
The Wrestlepalooza encounter sparked criticism among fans and commentators due to Lesnar’s overwhelming dominance and Cena’s subdued offense. Bischoff acknowledged the match’s shortcomings as a standalone encounter but remained optimistic about its role within a larger narrative arc that could culminate in a satisfying conclusion.
“I don’t like when other people do it, so I’m not gonna speculate, but if it’s part of a story, I think it would be a great story because redemptions always work,” Bischoff said. “If it wasn’t part of the story and it was just, ‘Well, here’s what we’re gonna do tonight and why,’ not good, but we’ll find out.”
— Eric Bischoff, WWE executive and podcast host
Cena’s Upcoming Farewell Matches and Final Opponent Reveal
Before his retirement, John Cena will face off against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel on October 11 in Perth, Australia. This bout is billed as one of the final chapters in Cena’s farewell tour, where he will return to his fan-favorite babyface character following a brief heel run. Fans eagerly await confirmation of who will ultimately stand opposite Cena for his final WWE match on December 13.
Significance of Cena’s Farewell and Redemption Story Potential
Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era in WWE history, and the speculation about his final opponent adds emotional weight to his farewell. A possible rematch with Brock Lesnar could provide a compelling redemption story that resonates with fans, offering closure on one of WWE’s most notable rivalries. If the narrative plays out as Bischoff hopes, it might not only honor Cena’s career but also deliver a memorable conclusion befitting his legacy.
