John Cena’s final match is scheduled for December 13th, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE has yet to announce who will face the 17-time world champion in his farewell bout. The choice of Cena’s last opponent remains undecided, with anticipation growing over which superstar will share this historic moment.
Drew McIntyre Emerges as Leading Candidate for Cena’s Farewell
Among WWE‘s roster, many wrestlers have expressed interest in competing against John Cena in his final match. Drew McIntyre, a two-time WWE Champion known as The Scottish Warrior, is prominently in the conversation. On Notsam Wrestling, analyst Sam Roberts suggested WWE might pit Cena against McIntyre to highlight McIntyre as a future WWE Champion.
“There’s one more thing you can do before the end of the year, either in John Cena’s last match or maybe John Cena’s second-to-last match, however you want to do it. Drew McIntyre beats John Cena. So, he’s not the champion anymore, but he beats John Cena with a Claymore. Just beats him. So, now you’re entering into 2026 with Cody as the champion, which means you’re going to have Cody in a Wrestlemania main event defending that title. But now you’ve got Drew McIntyre having beaten John Cena. You’ve gotten a taste of what Drew McIntyre looks like as champion. And Drew McIntyre has beaten John Cena in one of John Cena’s last matches, if not Drew McIntyre’s, if not John Cena’s actual last match.”
—Sam Roberts, Wrestling Analyst
McIntyre previously criticized Cena’s heel turn, calling it ineffective, and openly stated his readiness to end Cena’s illustrious in-ring career as his final opponent. The potential match-up would serve to elevate McIntyre’s status while marking a memorable moment in Cena’s legacy.
WWE Landscape and Upcoming Storylines Surrounding Cena’s Goodbye
With Cena’s retirement match set, WWE aims to create a storyline that not only honors his achievements but also elevates wrestlers like Drew McIntyre. Cody Rhodes is positioned to be WWE Champion moving into 2026, possibly defending his title at WrestleMania, while a rivalry with McIntyre could build from the fallout of a Cena-McIntyre confrontation.
Additional WWE and AEW Developments Impacting the Scene
Beyond Cena’s impending match, the wrestling world is seeing notable shifts. AEW star Will Ospreay is reportedly facing surgery, which could affect AEW‘s plans. In Glasgow, Scotland, AEW taped Collision with a surprise debut that has fans talking.
Meanwhile, WWE stars have expressed a desire to see Chris Jericho return to the company, and the Wyatt Sicks are rumored to be targeting high-profile opponents in their next rivalry. On a more personal note, WWE’s Mercedes Mone conveyed her heartfelt reaction to her friend Naomi’s pregnancy announcement.
Career Moves and Reflections from Notable WWE Figures
Becky Lynch has announced a significant step in her acting career, preparing to appear in a forthcoming sci-fi television series, showcasing her expanding talents beyond wrestling. Cody Rhodes has also revealed that advice from Paul Heyman has been instrumental in guiding his career trajectory, contributing to his success atop the WWE roster.
The Significance of Cena’s Final Match for WWE’s Future
John Cena’s farewell bout carries weight beyond the match itself; it represents the closing of a chapter for one of WWE’s most iconic figures and the passing of the torch to the next generation. Selecting Drew McIntyre as the opponent could not only provide a fitting challenge but also set new storylines and rivalries for the coming year. Cena’s final match will thus serve as both an end and a new beginning within WWE’s evolving championship landscape.
