John Cena’s announcement of his retirement from in-ring wrestling by the end of 2025 has sparked intense discussions among fans disappointed by how WWE has handled his final career phase. Many viewers now speculate that Cena’s retirement run would have been far more memorable if it had taken place in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), fueling debates on social media about the differences between the two wrestling promotions.
Starting his retirement tour with his participation in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble, Cena shocked audiences with a heel turn at Elimination Chamber 2025. At WrestleMania 41, he made history by defeating Cody Rhodes to win his 17th World Title, declaring himself WWE’s “Last Real Champion” while planning to retire with the championship. Cena defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against notable rivals such as Randy Orton and CM Punk. However, before his SummerSlam rematch with Rhodes, Cena switched back to a fan-favorite persona, ultimately losing the title to Rhodes at SummerSlam.
Following this, Cena entered a high-profile rivalry with Brock Lesnar but suffered a crushing defeat at Wrestlepalooza this past Saturday. With only a handful of appearances remaining before retirement, many fans have expressed frustration with Cena’s underwhelming heel run and questioned WWE’s creative choices for the veteran’s final storyline.
Social Media Buzz: AEW Fans Believe Cena’s Farewell Would Shine Brighter There
Debates on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have amplified among fans who feel AEW might have booked Cena’s retirement with greater impact. Supporters point to how AEW handled Sting’s and Bryan Danielson’s retirements, highlighting the respectful and celebratory manner of their farewell matches. Additionally, fans have dreamed up potential high-profile AEW matches they wished to see Cena involved in, such as bouts against former AEW World Champion MJF and NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi, matches that would contrast with his recent WWE loss streak.
The speculation is fueled by AEW’s reputation for allowing veteran stars to craft meaningful and memorable exits, which some believe WWE has failed to provide in Cena’s case. The online wrestling community’s divided opinions emphasize the tension surrounding Cena’s final chapter, with many wondering if a switch to AEW before retiring would have elevated his legacy further.
Recent Cross-Promotion Gestures Highlight Cena’s Influence Across Wrestling
Earlier this month during WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown, Cena took part in an open challenge for the WWE United States Title against Sami Zayn. In a nod to his history, Cena paid tribute to several of his legendary rivals, even executing Adam Copeland’s signature spear during the match. This gesture showed Cena’s continued respect for wrestling icons outside his own career.
In a notable moment at AEW All Out: Toronto, Adam Copeland, known as The Rated-R Superstar, returned the favor. During a tag team match alongside Christian Cage versus FTR, Copeland incorporated several of Cena’s hallmark moves, including the Five Knuckle Shuffle and the Attitude Adjustment, on Cash Wheeler. This moment bridged Cena’s WWE history with AEW’s current roster, signaling the cross-promotional reverence Cena commands.
What Lies Ahead for John Cena’s Wrestling Legacy?
As Cena approaches the end of his in-ring career, the wrestling world watches closely to see how WWE will conclude this era. Fans’ debates over how his final run was booked underscore the broader tensions between WWE’s traditional approach and AEW’s fresh storytelling methods. Cena’s retirement journey, regardless of where it unfolds, carries significant weight, as it will shape how one of wrestling’s biggest icons is remembered.
The intense discussion around his exit highlights both the expectations fans have for legendary performers and the ongoing rivalry between wrestling organizations vying to capture memorable moments in the sport. With Cena’s retirement set for late 2025, fans remain anxious to witness how the Leader of the Cenation will close his chapter in professional wrestling.
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Let’s be fr AEW would’ve handled Cena’s retirement x10000 better https://t.co/TfmRq1WKjB
— Kira 😈(Pompompurin advocate) (@818Kira_) September 21, 2025
