John Cena’s WWE farewell tour has been a mixture of nostalgia and fresh challenges, highlighted by his 17th world title win at WrestleMania 41 against Cody Rhodes, who is set to face him again for the championship at SummerSlam. Over the past three months, Cena revisited rivalries with notable opponents like Randy Orton, CM Punk, and R-Truth, offering fans a look back at his iconic career as he edges closer to retirement. Cena plans to retire from in-ring competition in December 2025, firmly stating that this will be his final run with no future comeback matches.
Predictions for Cena’s Last Match: A New Generation to Take the Spotlight
With John Cena stepping away from active competition, WWE faces the important decision of choosing who will receive the spotlight in his last match, potentially passing the torch to an emerging talent. Actor and wrestling enthusiast O’Shea Jackson Jr. expressed his belief that Cena’s final opponent will come from the newer generation of wrestlers rather than another veteran.
Jackson Jr. shared his views on the Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet, reflecting on Cena’s recent matches and WWE’s booking choices. He noted that the recent Cena versus CM Punk bout in Saudi Arabia seemed mistimed, as many fans expected it to be saved for Cena’s retirement match, which could have symbolically reversed their 2011 rivalry with stronger stakes. Since both CM Punk and Randy Orton, two of Cena’s longtime rivals, have already had their final matches against him, Jackson Jr. argued that it makes sense for Cena’s last challenger to be a young talent looking to make their mark.
Because, you know, rewind a little bit when Punk and Cena were going at it, when the roles were reversed, and Punk was the one that was trying to take the belt and leave it was in Punk’s hometown. So I thought they were going to do that same thing in John’s hometown and have it that way, but they just did it in Saudi.So, man, I don’t know, but I think if I know how John is, it’s going to be somebody to pass a torch to a little bit, he’s going to put somebody over, as opposed to somebody who’s a vet, and who’s been doing it.So like a Randy Orton or any of his past rivalries, I don’t think it’s going to be the person. I think it’s going to be someone of the new school that he’s going to put over and kind of have that traditional wrestling look up at the lights for your last match,” O’Shea Jackson Jr. said.
The Significance of Choosing a New School Wrestler for Cena’s Final Bout
Jackson Jr.’s insight emphasizes a meaningful tradition in professional wrestling, where a retiring legend often elevates a promising star with a high-profile win. Such a moment has the power to both honor Cena’s legacy and affirm the future of WWE. By ending his in-ring career with a loss to a rising star, Cena would pass on his metaphorical torch and give fans a glimpse of who might lead WWE’s next era.
The choice to have a “new school” opponent face Cena rather than a familiar veteran rival reflects WWE’s broader strategy of bridging generations within its roster. As Cena’s iconic career draws to a close, spotlighting younger talent could help maintain fan interest and add depth to the company’s competitive landscape. This approach aligns with the wrestling tradition of “looking up at the lights” during a final match—a symbolic nod to a star’s departure and someone else’s arrival.
Upcoming High-Stakes Matches Setting the Stage at SummerSlam
Looking ahead, Cody Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, seeks redemption following his loss to Cena at WrestleMania 41. Their highly anticipated rematch at SummerSlam, scheduled for August 2-3 at MetLife Stadium, will be critical in shaping WWE’s future championship scene. This contest may also hint at broader storyline developments, especially with Cena hinting at a possible face turn during his recent title defenses.
WWE and fans alike are watching closely, wondering if the SummerSlam event could feature a surprise twist, especially given Cena’s impending retirement. If the company chooses to honor Jackson Jr.’s prediction, the final encounter might see Cena not only defend his title but also elevate a young contender poised to carry WWE forward.
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena defends his title against Cody Rhodes in the highly anticipated WrestleMania rematch set during SummerSlam on Aug. 2-3. Tickets on sale now!🔗 https://t.co/4DHgVziagDpic.twitter.com/Qvn68Bq3eU— MetLife Stadium (@MetLifeStadium) July 15, 2025
