John Cena’s final wrestling match, originally scheduled for December 13th at Saturday Night’s Main Event, may be postponed until WrestleMania 42 in 2026, according to recent discussions within WWE circles. This potential delay raises questions about the timing of John Cena WrestleMania Retirement and whether Cena will get a chance to settle unfinished business in the ring before calling it quits.
John Cena’s Return and Final Year in WWE
After making a surprising comeback to WWE in 2025, John Cena embarked on what was announced as his final year competing as a wrestler. During this time, Cena shocked fans by turning heel at Elimination Chamber and went on to win his 17th WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41, setting a new record. Over the course of his farewell run, Cena revived classic rivalries with notable opponents such as Randy Orton and CM Punk.
Following his heel run, Cena eventually dropped the WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. His momentum then stalled after a decisive defeat at Wrestlepalooza at the hands of Brock Lesnar. This loss reignited fan support for Cena’s desire to face AJ Styles at the Crown Jewel event, a match symbolizing both respect and rivalry. With limited time left, Cena’s career closure is approaching whether at the originally scheduled date or beyond.
Possibility of Extending Cena’s Final Match to WrestleMania 42
WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray spoke on Busted Open Radio about the potential benefit of pushing Cena’s retirement match to WrestleMania 42 in 2026. He suggested that such an extension could offer Cena the opportunity to get a definitive finishing match against Brock Lesnar, fulfilling unfinished business in a marquee showdown.
John Cena’s last match at WrestleMania [42] against maybe Brock Lesnar, that’s marquee. If something were to happen where this got extended to Vegas in WrestleMania, personally, I have no problem with that. I don’t think it’s a bait-and-switch. I think it’s just an extension on a contract because I have one piece of unfinished business and that is, okay Brock Lesnar or that is, so and so.
Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
At present, there is no confirmed rematch planned between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, leaving uncertainty around who Cena’s eventual final opponent will be. After the Crown Jewel event, Cena is scheduled for only four more appearances before officially retiring from active competition. However, whether those will be his absolute last is still subject to potential change.
Recent Developments Affecting WWE and Wrestling Stars
In related news around the professional wrestling world, an AEW star is set to return after a three-month absence to challenge Kyle Fletcher for the TNT Championship, signaling fresh competition outside WWE’s sphere. Meanwhile, rumors swirl that WWE may have dismissed a former champion due in part to Charlotte Flair’s influence within the company, highlighting ongoing backstage dynamics.
Additionally, a former WWE talent has unexpectedly decided to withdraw from wrestling at just 35 years old, underscoring the physically and mentally demanding nature of the sport. Other headlines include potential threats to WWE’s long-term viability and shocking accusations directed at Stephanie McMahon from an ex-WWE manager, contributing to the tense atmosphere surrounding the promotion.
Significant Reactions and Future Prospects in Wrestling
Following an ex-WWE Champion’s surprising return during the September 23 episode of NXT, Cody Rhodes publicly reacted, highlighting the impact of this comeback on WWE’s landscape. Another former champion responding with just two words after returning after five years suggests the emotional weight carried by such reappearances. Meanwhile, AEW star Adam Copeland faces uncertainty about his future following a brutal attack, raising questions about his career trajectory.
John Cena WrestleMania Retirement remains a central topic amid all this. Whether the famed wrestler will conclude his ring career as initially planned in December or extend it into WrestleMania 42 to cap off his legacy with a high-profile bout still hangs in balance. Fans and insiders alike remain anxious about when Cena’s curtain call will ultimately arrive, reflecting the somber and uneasy mood gripping the wrestling community as one of its biggest stars nears the end of his journey.
