John Cena’s Farewell Tour has set the stage for some of wrestling’s most anticipated bouts, exciting fans who want to see legendary showdowns as he prepares to hang up his boots. Looking beyond his scheduled clash with CM Punk at Night of Champions, the spotlight shines on potential John Cena dream matches on retirement tour that could make his final year unforgettable.
Cena’s Final Run Sets the Stage for Iconic Encounters
The energy around John Cena’s Farewell Tour has been building since his announcement last year, sparking emotion across the wrestling world. The tour took a shocking twist when Cena shocked the audience with a heel turn at Elimination Chamber 2025, soon followed by an impressive win over Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cena has continued to deliver, battling old rivals like Randy Orton and R-Truth (now performing as Ron Killings), stirring nostalgia for long-time fans.
With his reign showing no signs of slowing down, Cena now finds himself preparing for yet another high-stakes encounter. CM Punk, his well-established rival, is up next at Night of Champions 2025, promising fireworks that echo their heated history. As anticipation for this event increases, speculation grows around the other WWE superstars fans want to see step into the ring with him before curtain call on his legendary career.
Rivalries Reignited: AJ Styles
One of the most beloved sagas in recent WWE history is John Cena’s rivalry with AJ Styles, reignited in 2016 when Styles began his WWE journey after a celebrated TNA tenure. Their dynamic trilogy, which culminated at WWE Royal Rumble 2017, pushed both men to new heights, with Cena clinching his 16th World Championship and tying Ric Flair’s historic record. Seven years have passed since the epic final confrontation, leaving fans eager for a final chapter between these two icons.
Presently, AJ Styles has taken on the role of babyface, making the timing perfect for another showstopping feud. Should Cena emerge victorious after facing CM Punk, fans have every reason to look forward to another clash with The Phenomenal One before the tour ends.
A Long-Awaited Rematch: Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens first made his name with an explosive WWE main roster debut in 2015. Entering the scene as the reigning NXT Champion, he stunned the WWE universe by challenging John Cena and scoring an unforgettable upset victory. Their match immediately became the talk of the wrestling world, establishing Owens as a threat to any opponent in the ring.
Currently, Owens is sidelined by a significant neck injury, and the timeline of his return remains unclear. However, he stands out as one of the most important names for Cena to face again during these closing months. If The Prizefighter makes a comeback, there’s no doubt that fans will be clamoring for the showdown to relive that remarkable debut moment.
An Unfinished Chapter: Edge
The storied rivalry between Edge and John Cena defined the Ruthless Aggression Era, with battles fought under various stipulations and electrifying the WWE universe every time. Their intense confrontations not only occupied main-event status but also often involved memorable appearances from figures like Big Show, Lita, and Randy Orton. While their history set the gold standard for WWE feuds, developments outside the ring now cast uncertainty on a final match.
Edge now wrestles under the name Cope in AEW, a rival promotion to WWE, making a crossover battle unlikely. Still, wrestling’s unpredictable nature means fans dare to hope for one last collision between these decorated veterans—proving that in wrestling, never say never truly applies.
The Hollywood Showdown: The Rock
The wrestling world would undoubtedly buzz if John Cena shares the ring with The Rock once again. The seeds were planted at Elimination Chamber 2025, when Cena, after years of being a fan favorite, turned heel by joining forces with The Final Boss. This betrayal marked a rare shift in his career, adding fresh intrigue to a classic rivalry. Cena’s return to his good-guy persona could dramatically set the stage for a redemption storyline against The Rock, framed as the ultimate test before retirement.
Both men are renowned for their achievements in the squared circle and their dominance in Hollywood, making their bout well-suited for a blockbuster send-off. If this match is realized, it could be an iconic moment billed as a final encounter for both stars, giving WWE a marquee match suitable for wrestling and pop culture fans alike.
Renewing Brutality: Brock Lesnar
Cena’s career has also been marked by his epic clashes with Brock Lesnar, the man who brought an unprecedented level of physicality back to WWE when he returned after an eight-year hiatus. Their first contest saw Cena emerge with a victory, but the rivalry peaked at SummerSlam 2014, where Cena was famously overwhelmed by sixteen German suplexes in one of the most one-sided main events in WWE history.
Although Brock Lesnar’s involvement in recent controversies linked to Vince McMahon may hinder a reunion in the ring, wrestling’s unpredictability ensures fans will keep speculation alive. If circumstances change, the possibility of The Beast meeting The Greatest of All Time once more would be a fitting addition to this storied farewell tour.
What Makes These Matches Special?
Each potential showdown highlights a unique chapter in John Cena’s storied career, pitting him against past friends, rivals, and legendary figures. These matches would not only pay tribute to his impact on WWE but also offer fans a chance to relive some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history. With months remaining on his retirement tour, wrestling fans worldwide hold their breath, hoping to witness Cena’s iconic matchups come to life one more time before the final bell rings.
