As John Cena’s retirement run in <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE nears its conclusion, fans and insiders are buzzing about who might step into the ring for his last match. One surprising candidate is Chris Jericho, the first AEW World Champion, whose return to WWE could provide a poetic full-circle moment for Cena’s career. This speculation has gained traction amidst backstage talks among WWE talent and executives, fueling hopes that Jericho could be part of Cena’s farewell.
Jericho’s role in AEW has diminished over recent years, sparking questions about what lies ahead for him after seven years with the promotion. Despite a mixed tenure, Jericho was instrumental in the early success of AEW, often regarded as one of the company’s founding father figures. His possible WWE comeback alongside Cena’s final match would inject significant star power and nostalgia into the event.
The Historical Connection Between Cena and Jericho
Chris Jericho being John Cena’s final opponent would have symbolic weight, considering their history dates back to WWE’s early 2000s. Jericho was Cena’s first pay-per-view opponent, facing off at Vengeance in 2002 when Cena was establishing himself. More than two decades later, a rematch would serve as a remarkable bookend to Cena’s legendary tenure, particularly with his retirement match seemingly scheduled for December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME).
The SNME event is taking on a new level of importance as it transitions to an exclusive Peacock broadcast, discontinuing the previous NBC simulcast. This shift enhances the likelihood that Jericho, as the first Undisputed WWE Champion, could face Cena in what may also become Cena’s final major WWE event appearance.
Jericho’s Role Could Bridge WWE Generations
Jericho’s potential involvement in Cena’s farewell would help connect multiple WWE eras uniquely. Jericho has squared off against remarkable figures such as Randy Orton, CM Punk, and soon Brock Lesnar during his current retirement tour. He has also passed the torch to Cody Rhodes, and notably engaged in an unconventional rivalry with R-Truth, who idolized Jericho in childhood. These dynamics make Jericho a compelling candidate to share the ring with Cena one last time.
Besides Jericho, two other plausible contenders to retire John Cena are AEW star Adam Copeland, known in WWE as Edge, and The Rock, who might return for a surprise appearance. However, between these options, Jericho’s contract status and career trajectory make him the most logical choice, aligning his WWE return with Cena’s retirement tour and generating high-profile buzz over the coming months and years.
Challenges to Jericho Joining Cena’s Retirement Tour
Despite the exciting possibilities, the odds of Jericho facing Cena in his farewell match remain slim. Jericho’s AEW contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of this year, mirroring the timeline of Cena’s announced retirement match. This timing could complicate scheduling, especially if contract negotiations or a potential move back to WWE cannot be finalized in time.
Without an agreement between AEW owner Tony Khan and Jericho allowing him to leave early, the match may not materialize. There has been speculation that Cena might extend his retirement tour through WrestleMania 42, which could allow for more flexibility. However, NBC’s confirmation that Cena’s final match will occur at Saturday Night’s Main Event this December diminishes such prospects.
The relationship between WWE and AEW has grown increasingly competitive, making early releases like Jericho’s unlikely. Despite Jericho’s status and goodwill with Khan, cases like Cody Rhodes’ and CM Punk’s departures suggest such moves are rare, underscoring the significant hurdles Jericho faces if he is to return for Cena’s send-off.
What a Jericho vs. Cena Match Could Represent
Wrestling history teaches that “never say never” is often the rule, leaving open the possibility that changes in circumstances could bring Jericho and Cena together once more. Should Cena choose to prolong his final run or Jericho’s contractual situation shift, their meeting would provide a memorable conclusion to Cena’s influential WWE career. This would also mark a fresh chapter in Jericho’s legacy, offering both wrestlers an opportunity to close their storied careers with a meaningful, high-profile encounter.
