John Cena is preparing to conclude his celebrated wrestling career, with WWE confirming AJ Styles as his next opponent during his farewell tour. This highly anticipated match will take place at WWE Crown Jewel on October 11, 2025, in Perth, Australia, spotlighting the enduring rivalry and respect between these two top performers.
Following the Crown Jewel event, Cena will make select appearances on WWE programming, including Survivor Series on November 29, 2025, and two episodes of Monday Night Raw in November, set for Boston and Madison Square Garden. His definitive retirement match is scheduled to headline Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., marking a significant moment in WWE history.
Speculation Mounts Over John Cena’s Ultimate Opponent
As Cena’s final match draws near, fans and wrestling insiders are deeply intrigued about who will stand opposite him for this career-defining bout. Among the names circulating are top WWE stars such as Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, and even The Rock, each presenting the prospect of a memorable showdown. This uncertainty intensifies the emotional stakes of Cena’s farewell, with many expecting WWE to select a rival who embodies both significance and challenge for Cena’s last performance.
Veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter voiced a strong preference during his appearance on The Wrestling Time Machine, advocating for the return of Gunther as Cena’s retirement match adversary. Gunther, a major figure absent from WWE since August 2025 due to a facial injury sustained after losing the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam Night 1, is seen by Apter as a compelling choice to deliver a powerful final chapter to Cena’s storied career.
“We don’t know who his opponent is going to be yet. A lot of people are speculating it’s going to be Brock Lesnar, and that Cena is going to get the win over Lesnar to get even. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. What I would like to see happen, there’s another guy I want to see come back and be Cena’s final opponent. That would be Gunther. I think that would be a great final match. I want to see Cena vs. Gunther in Cena’s retirement match. And if Cena doesn’t win, it’s okay. Gunther gets stronger with the win over John Cena.”
– Bill Apter, Veteran Wrestling Journalist
AJ Styles Battle Set for WWE Crown Jewel in Australia
John Cena’s announced confrontation with AJ Styles at Crown Jewel is poised to be a highlight of his farewell tour. The two performers share a history of memorable matches stretching back to 2016 and 2017, and despite Cena’s scarce appearances during his send-off, their clash promises to thrill fans worldwide. Perth, Australia, will host this event, underscoring WWE’s emphasis on international engagement during Cena’s final chapter.
The Final Chapter: Saturday Night’s Main Event
The culmination of John Cena’s in-ring journey will take place on December 13, 2025, when he headlines Saturday Night’s Main Event at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena. This event is expected to draw significant attention, reflecting the magnitude of Cena’s influence on the sport and entertainment industry. Ticket prices indicate the grandeur of this farewell, opening the possibility for a historic send-off that WWE enthusiasts will remember for years.
Ongoing Rivalries and WWE Developments in 2025
Amid the focus on Cena’s farewell, other storylines in WWE continue to evolve, highlighting the dynamic nature of the roster. Roman Reigns and The Usos have reunited to confront The Vision, representing one of the key power struggles currently unfolding within WWE. This storyline adds depth to the wrestling world just as Cena’s career winds down.
In addition, WWE has arranged a special taping in November at Madison Square Garden, underscoring the venue’s central role in WWE programming and fan engagement. Meanwhile, a rising rivalry has escalated involving WWE NXT and TNA, with accusations of betrayal intensifying competition between the factions.
Veteran Stars and New Challenges in WWE’s Landscape
As John Cena steps closer to retirement, other veteran and emerging wrestlers are making their marks. WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle’s life story is being adapted into a movie, coinciding with the release of a biopic on his one-time rival Mark Kerr, titled The Smashing Machine. This reflects the continued cultural impact of wrestling personalities beyond the ring.
Meanwhile, fans speculate on why Cena may lose to a 15-year WWE veteran in his final match, adding another layer of intrigue to his farewell. The significance of this opponent is amplified by the wrestler’s experience and potential to offer Cena a challenging end to his in-ring career.
The wrestling world also witnessed a poignant moment as the son of a WWE Hall of Famer recently suffered his first professional loss. This reminds audiences of the passing of torches within the industry, as new generations rise to prominence.
In championship news, Dominik Mysterio is set to defend his AAA Mega Championship against a two-time WWE Champion familiar to fans. This encounter promises competitive excitement amid Cena’s final appearances.
Meanwhile, a former close friend of The Undertaker revealed a story about significant gambling losses, adding a humanizing behind-the-scenes glimpse at the lives of wrestling stars beyond their in-ring personas.
The Enduring Impact of John Cena’s Farewell
John Cena’s journey towards retirement after nearly two decades in WWE has stirred intense feelings among fans and insiders alike, marked by anticipation, speculation, and emotional weight. His matches with AJ Styles and, potentially, Gunther represent moments of closure, rivalry, and respect within professional wrestling.
The selection of his final opponent will not only define his farewell but also set the tone for WWE’s future storylines, influencing how Cena’s legacy is remembered. As the events in Washington, D.C., and other notable venues approach, the wrestling world braces for a poignant finale that captures the intensity and turmoil surrounding the departure of one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.
