With John Cena’s retirement from WWE as an in-ring competitor approaching, speculation is growing about who will face him in his final match. Industry voices, including analyst Sam Roberts, have identified Drew McIntyre as the wrestler destined to be John Cena’s final opponent, adding a new layer of intrigue to Cena’s farewell.
John Cena still has several appearances ahead, including a potential match against Brock Lesnar at WWE Wrestlepalooza. However, his definitive last bout is slated for Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025, marking the end of an era for the 17-time World Champion. The focus has now shifted to uncovering who will share the ring with Cena in this closing chapter of his wrestling career.
Sam Roberts Advocates for Drew McIntyre as Cena’s Final Rival
On the Notsam Wrestling podcast, Sam Roberts expressed a clear preference for Drew McIntyre to be John Cena’s final adversary. Roberts argued that McIntyre should be the one to defeat Cena in this culminating match, highlighting the necessity to preserve Cena’s legacy by limiting his losses before retirement.
“The last one is John Cena versus Drew McIntyre. And that’s where you get the John Cena loss. That’s where you get Drew McIntyre taking the dub because you can’t have John Cena lose a bunch of matches, which just doesn’t make any sense because if you have him lose all the matches, there’s no value in getting those victories,” Roberts said.
Despite the speculation, the idea of McIntyre as Cena’s final opponent is unexpected because the two have never clashed in a one-on-one match inside WWE, making the potential encounter even more noteworthy for fans and insiders alike.
Drew McIntyre’s Open Criticism of John Cena’s Recent Heel Turn
John Cena’s recent shift to a heel character has unsettled many in the wrestling world, including veterans and fellow superstars. This surprising change has affected Cena’s in-ring style and persona, alienating some who appreciated the leader of the Cenation for his long-held principles.
In a candid interview with Fox News, Drew McIntyre did not hold back his frustration with Cena’s new persona. When asked about his preferred winner for WWE SummerSlam 2025, McIntyre chose Cody Rhodes and openly criticized Cena’s current approach, calling for a return to Cena’s original values.
“This John Cena is a little b***h… We never had a match one-on-one ever. It would be a huge match. I don’t want this Cena…I want to send him packing the way he used to be — hustle, loyalty and respect, doing things the right way. These cheap finishes, everyone leaves the arena like, ‘That freaking s**ked, that was a waste of money.’ I want the actual John Cena,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre, a seasoned veteran himself, is eager to face the authentic Cena—one defined by honor and determination rather than underhanded tactics. This clash of opinions adds complexity to the narrative surrounding Cena’s final chapter.
The Significance of the Potential Cena vs. McIntyre Match
The possibility of John Cena concluding his wrestling career against Drew McIntyre carries substantial significance for WWE and its fanbase. It would not only deliver a fresh and compelling matchup but also resolve lingering tensions about Cena’s recent heel persona through a high-stakes bout.
If this bout materializes at the December 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event, it will likely serve as a meaningful farewell that respects Cena’s immense contributions while showcasing McIntyre as a worthy successor. Fans and industry insiders are left awaiting confirmation, with the matchup poised to become a major talking point as Cena’s retirement nears.
