A former WWE star revealed that discussions were underway for a surprise return to face John Cena during his final run in the company. John Cena made a memorable comeback to WWE in 2025, marking his farewell year as a wrestler. His heel turn at Elimination Chamber and his 17th WWE Championship victory over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 highlighted this swan song, setting the stage for one last chapter in his career. The chance to face Rob Van Dam once again was on the table before an injury derailed those plans.
Rob Van Dam, speaking on the Inside the Ring podcast, disclosed that he was in talks with WWE to be part of John Cena’s retirement tour returns. Unfortunately, Van Dam suffered a severe injury shortly after these discussions began, halting the possibility of the match materializing.
Let me tell you this—yeah, I wanted to be one of the return matches for John Cena on his retirement tour. I was talking to them, and there was a lot of interest. Without giving away too many details, we were probably going to do it. And then I broke my heels. Everything happens for a reason though, so let’s look at it that way.
—Rob Van Dam, Former WWE Star
The pairing would have revisited their storied history, notably the intense WWE Championship match at the second One Night Stand event in 2006. In front of an electrified ECW-inspired Hammerstein Ballroom crowd, RVD captured the title after beating Cena, marking one of the most memorable moments in both men’s careers.
That reign was brief, as Edge claimed the title less than a month later during a period when Van Dam’s momentum faded following legal issues off-screen. Still, the prospect of reigniting this rivalry added emotional heft to Cena’s farewell run, emphasizing the significance of legacy in his final year.
John Cena’s Farewell Tour and Remaining Challenges
Alongside Rob Van Dam’s near return, Cena’s 2025 matches have included battles with familiar foes such as Randy Orton and CM Punk. These encounters have given fans a final glimpse of Cena’s competitive spirit against some of his most notable rivals. Looking ahead, one more high-profile showdown remains as Cena prepares to face Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, further elevating the drama of his last appearances.
The Broader Impact of Cena’s Final Year in WWE
John Cena’s return and retirement tour have been defined by unexpected twists and emotional moments, from his heel turn to championship wins and heated rivalries. The potential rematch with RVD speaks to the way Cena’s last year has honored the past while closing his chapter with intensity and reflection.
Despite the setback caused by Van Dam’s injury, the interest in revisiting historic matchups underscores the significance of Cena’s final year, not only for fans but for those who have shaped WWE over the last two decades. The mix of familiar faces and new challenges is expected to make Cena’s farewell one of the most poignant and memorable in wrestling history.
