John Cena is set to retire from professional wrestling by the end of 2025, with his final match scheduled for December 13 during Saturday Night’s Main Event. This announcement has ignited speculation about who might step into Cena’s prominent role in WWE. Analyst Sam Roberts recently suggested that Chris Jericho could be the ideal candidate to fill this position if he returns to WWE, noting the significant excitement and nostalgia Jericho’s comeback would bring to fans.
“Hearing ‘Break the Walls Down’ kick in would be massive for WWE fans. And quite frankly, I think that there’s a clear role for him to fit, which is at the end of the year, John Cena says goodbye,” said Roberts
Roberts further proposed creative directions for Jericho’s potential return, including combining his AEW Judas theme with his classic WWE entrance and possibly reviving his Painmaker persona, which could generate significant buzz during Cena’s farewell period.
Wardlow’s Injury Complicates AEW Plans
Wardlow has encountered another major injury setback shortly after making his highly anticipated return at AEW’s Forbidden Door event in Jacksonville. Reports from Fightful Select indicate that the 266-pound wrestler may have torn a pectoral muscle soon after attacking Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana, potentially sidelining him for several months.
This injury follows a previous one sustained during a March Dynamite episode against Samoa Joe. Although Wardlow had been medically cleared earlier in 2025, his comeback was delayed due to filming commitments for American Gladiators, seasons one and two. AEW officials are reportedly considering using Wardlow as an enforcer during his recovery period, as his in-ring return remains uncertain.
Maven’s Interest in AEW and Recent Appearances
Former WWE Hardcore Champion Maven has expressed enthusiasm about joining All Elite Wrestling, despite no formal contact from AEW so far. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Maven stated his openness to any opportunities the company might offer, emphasizing his ongoing dedication to professional wrestling.
“I’d definitely entertain any offer. Nobody. I don’t know why they haven’t reached out. But I would explore any options that came my way. I will always be an ambassador for the business,” he said. —Maven, Former WWE Hardcore Champion
Maven retired from full-time competition in 2007 but continued occasional appearances on the independent circuit until 2024. In May 2025, he was reportedly spotted backstage at an AEW event, with sources suggesting his visit was positive.
Extended Absences Affect AEW Stars’ Returns
AEW owner Tony Khan is reportedly facing challenges as two key stars, Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland, will likely remain out of action until early 2026 due to serious injuries. According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, Omega was recently written off Dynamite television, while Strickland is recovering from a torn meniscus sustained earlier this year.
Additionally, Will Ospreay is undergoing a lengthy recovery following neck surgery after his Lights Out Steel Cage Match at Forbidden Door. His absence from the ring is expected to extend well into 2026, further impacting AEW’s roster availability during the remainder of 2025.
WWE’s Nod to Adam Copeland Amid Ongoing AEW Career
Despite Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, currently being signed with AEW, WWE recently made several references to him during programming. In a recent WWE SmackDown episode, John Cena executed a spear move reminiscent of Edge’s signature attack during his match against Sami Zayn, directly acknowledging Copeland’s legacy.
Moreover, WWE uploaded a highlight reel of Cena and Edge’s iconic Unforgiven 2006 encounter on their official YouTube channel. These gestures underscore the lasting impact of Edge’s rivalry with Cena and WWE’s recognition of his influence despite his AEW affiliation.
The Broader Impact on Wrestling’s Landscape
John Cena’s impending retirement marks a significant milestone in wrestling, sparking discussions on the future leadership within WWE and opening doors for possible talent shifts between promotions. The injury setbacks for AEW stars Wardlow, Kenny Omega, and Swerve Strickland, alongside Maven’s expressed interest in AEW, further complicate the competitive dynamics between AEW and WWE as they navigate talent availability.
WWE’s ongoing references to Adam Copeland highlight the enduring nature of wrestling storylines that cross company lines, reflecting how personal rivalries and legacies continue to resonate with fans. As 2025 progresses, the wrestling world will watch closely to see how these developments influence both promotions’ narratives and roster changes, particularly surrounding the John Cena AEW WWE retirement saga.
