John Cena recently lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, ending his record-setting run as a 17-time world champion. The shift in Cena’s character to a face on SmackDown just before the event changed the dynamics for the rematch, setting the stage for his final WWE appearances.
With Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE after SummerSlam, Cena’s retirement tour opponents are beginning to take shape. Once Cena’s rivalry with Lesnar concludes, focus will turn to the remaining stars he faces as part of his farewell run. Cena has already clashed with several familiar names such as CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Rhodes himself.
Top Candidates for John Cena’s Final WWE Opponents
The list of potential final opponents for John Cena is carefully considered, with certain stars viewed as fitting candidates while others are better off avoiding this spotlight. The following four wrestlers stand out as optimal choices for Cena’s last matches in WWE.
Austin Theory: The Next Generation’s Former Adorer
Austin Theory, who idolized Cena growing up, recently faced off against his childhood hero at WrestleMania 39, resulting in Theory’s victory in a contested finish. His former stable A-Town Down Under broke up following ongoing tensions, paving the way for his potential face turn upon returning to action. WWE’s current roster includes several cocky young talents, but Theory’s willingness to acknowledge mistakes and his Atlanta roots could grant him a compelling redemption match with Cena.
Drew McIntyre: A Rival with Raw Emotional History
Drew McIntyre has a complex relationship with Cena, having publicly criticized Cena’s placement in the Elimination Chamber match. This unresolved tension could be reignited in one last feud between the two. Known as the Scottish Warrior, McIntyre is skilled on the microphone and capable of carrying a high-profile storyline. He is also due for a solid title run after multiple setbacks, and defeating Cena could restore his standing ahead of future championship pursuits.
Gunther: The Ring General Needing a Rebuild
Both Gunther and Cena lost their titles at SummerSlam, and the Ring General is currently sidelined with a facial injury. Gunther’s earlier runs as World Heavyweight Champion, combined with his disdain for WWE’s entertainment style, make him a unique candidate to face Cena. A victory over Cena, a symbol of WWE’s broader image, would help rehabilitate Gunther’s reputation after past struggles and strengthen his legacy.
Bron Breakker: The Rising Star Poised for Main Event Push
Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins have repeatedly named Bron Breakker as the future cornerstone of wrestling, highlighting his early success with NXT and Intercontinental titles. Supported by prominent figures like Rollins and Heyman, Breakker is positioned for a strong promotional push similar to Roman Reigns’ ascension. As Breakker rises, a match with Cena would represent a passing of the torch moment, with the World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins likely needing to
“bury the face of the past”
to cement Breakker’s place.
Stars Less Suited to Facing Cena in His Final Run
Not every top name fits Cena’s final opponent profile. For example, Logan Paul, who teamed with Cena at Money in the Bank, is known for taking sporadic breaks from WWE. Their clashing egos and Paul’s one-off appearances make him an unlikely candidate for a lasting impact in Cena’s farewell tour. His sporadic involvement suggests a fleeting program that would lack the weight and significance Cena deserves in his final matches.
Roman Reigns: Past His Prime for a Final Cena Feud
Roman Reigns, who has dominated WWE for nearly a decade, appears unlikely to face Cena before retiring from WWE himself. Despite his status as the Tribal Chief and recent big wins, Reigns works part-time and stepped away again after SummerSlam. With his commitments centered on Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman, a detailed program involving Cena seems improbable.
Reigns’ legacy as the top star for years means he no longer requires the elevating rub from a Cena victory. Cena’s final opponents should be chosen to benefit from his star power, and Reigns does not fit this narrative. His limited availability and status as an established top face reduce the chances for a meaningful showdown with Cena.
The Significance of John Cena’s Final WWE Opponents
John Cena’s retirement tour marks the end of an era, and selecting the right opponents for his last matches will shape his legacy and the future of WWE. Facing newer stars like Austin Theory or Bron Breakker could provide a passing of the torch moment, while engaging rivalries with Drew McIntyre or Gunther offer emotional depth and competitive storytelling.
Avoiding short-term or part-time performers, such as Logan Paul or Roman Reigns, ensures Cena’s final run remains impactful and helps build credibility for wrestlers poised to ascend. Choosing these final opponents reflects WWE’s broader direction toward spotlighting rising talent while honoring Cena’s historic career.
