John Cena, a central figure in WWE for over 20 years, is approaching the conclusion of his wrestling career, with his final match expected in December 2025. Although the opponent for this last contest remains unconfirmed, wrestling commentators Jonathan Coachman and Nic Nemeth recently shared their vision for how Cena’s farewell could unfold, suggesting an elaborate gauntlet match featuring multiple WWE legends and emerging stars.
Concept of a Multi-Wrestler Farewell Match
Speaking on the Off The Ropes podcast, Jonathan Coachman proposed the idea of a gauntlet match for Cena’s concluding bout, which would involve a series of opponents arriving in succession. Nic Nemeth enthusiastically supported this idea, outlining a scenario in which various familiar WWE personalities would enter the ring, blending legends with current talents to create an unforgettable spectacle.
“That’s a really great idea because there is so many people in his past. And then it opens the door to like, you get a rub. So, like, you get an Oba Femi, comes out, wooo, we’re putting over NXT. This goes in the record books. Bron Breakker comes out, he [John Cena] eats a spear, barely kicks out, and he gets a roll up on him. Oh, who’s coming out next? Then you get Seth Rollins with his group all around the ring, and then someone saves him.They break down, then you get Carmelo Hayes, [who] comes out. You’re like, ‘What?’ Then Randy’s music. Hell, Brock’s music hits. Just, ‘What the hell?’ And then finally, you get one last holy sh*t moment and everybody loses it. And maybe it’s Rock. And he walks down and he walks out. He’s got the vest on, he’s not even ready to wrestle, and then he like points or he says, ‘One more time, right now. Ring the bell.”
—Nic Nemeth, Wrestler and Podcaster
Nemeth’s description imagines a dynamic sequence of entrances starting with NXT talents Oba Femi and Bron Breakker, followed by wrestlers like Seth Rollins and Carmelo Hayes, before escalating to bigger names such as Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar. The climax might feature an unexpected appearance from The Rock, adding a dramatic final spotlight on Cena’s career.
Details on Proposed Match Participants and Sequence
The gauntlet proposal integrates wrestlers from different eras and divisions, making it a cross-generational celebration. Oba Femi’s inclusion promotes NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, symbolizing a passing of the torch. Bron Breakker’s spear and near fall offer high drama early in the match, while the involvement of Seth Rollins and his entourage brings added chaos and intensity. Carmelo Hayes’ surprising insertion continues the momentum, before WWE veterans like Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar elevate the stakes even further.
The suggestion that The Rock could enter without fully committing to a match adds suspense, paying tribute to one of WWE’s most iconic figures. Ending the match with Cena and The Rock signaling “one more” rings true as a symbol of respect and unfinished business, echoing their storied history.
Upcoming Match: Cena vs. Logan Paul at Clash in Paris
While discussions around Cena’s final match continue, his imminent bout is set against Logan Paul at the Clash in Paris event. This match is slated as a significant encounter, showcasing Cena’s ongoing active status despite retirement rumors. The clash will likely influence momentum leading into Cena’s eventual farewell match.
Drew McIntyre Expresses Desire to Retire John Cena
Earlier in the year, former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre publicly voiced his ambition to face John Cena in a conclusive, one-on-one match that would mark Cena’s retirement. Speaking on the No Holds Barred podcast with Jan Murphy and Rob Wong, McIntyre stressed that retiring Cena is not just a possibility but a certainty he feels compelled to pursue.
“It’s not would, either. I think it’s should, 100%. When CM Punk first came back, peoples’ instant reactions were ‘I’d like to see this or this and my name wasn’t mentioned. I was like ‘Hey, there are plenty of stories here,’ with my personal feelings and the environment we live in and if I get the chance, I’m going to make this frigging count.With John, I’ve got 10 times the stories. There are very few people who were around him, especially those growing up around him, left. Cody and I are the only two who are under 40 from that previous generation that grew up around John and have a lot of things to say, a lot of them are chummy, chummy. I may have some more interesting things to say. I do have some more interesting things to say and when, not if, I get the opportunity, on the microphone, much like Punk.”
—Drew McIntyre, Former WWE Champion
McIntyre emphasized his extensive history and personal connection with Cena, suggesting that they have never faced each other in a singles match. He expressed a strong intent to be the one to send Cena into retirement, rather than having the farewell match involve a newcomer.
“I know how good John is, I want to be able to get that chance to go back and forth and say our piece and make people think, just like Punk and I, ‘Oh my god, there’s something really special here.’ I’m not letting him retire and disappear into the night without getting that match because we have never, ever had a one-on-one match.We’re going to have that one-on-one match and I’m going to be the one who sends him packing, not some new guy.”
—Drew McIntyre, Former WWE Champion
Drew’s statement reveals a determination to craft a meaningful and highly memorable send-off for Cena, highlighting both their shared history and the storytelling potential such a match carries.
The Broader Context of Cena’s Career and Final Bout Expectations
John Cena’s planned final match carries significant emotional weight within the wrestling community, serving as a milestone that seals his legacy. The anticipation surrounding this bout reflects his impact on WWE, crossing generational divides and involving a range of influential wrestlers. Whether a gauntlet-style format with multiple star appearances or a climactic duel with Drew McIntyre, Cena’s farewell is shaping up to be an event designed to honor his decades of dedication.
This final match has the potential to set records and elevate emerging talents while providing longtime fans with emotional closure. Cena’s career achievements inside and outside the ring have made him a cultural icon, underscoring why his final match concepts feature star-studded lineups and major moments.
Looking Forward: What Cena’s Farewell Could Mean for WWE
The blueprint for John Cena’s ultimate match indicates WWE’s intent to balance nostalgia with forward momentum. By incorporating both legendary figures like The Rock and current faces such as Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker, WWE signals a transition from one era into the next while celebrating Cena’s influence. This approach also offers opportunities to elevate newer talent through association with Cena’s final bout.
As Cena’s December 2025 retirement fight draws closer, fans and insiders alike will watch closely to see which ideas WWE adopts. Whether it is a gauntlet match packed with surprises or a singular showdown with a peer like Drew McIntyre, the event promises to be a landmark moment in professional wrestling history.
