As John Cena approaches retirement from WWE, speculation grows about which legendary performers could come back from their own retirements for unforgettable matches, fueling excitement among fans who crave these iconic showdowns. The prospect of John Cena retirement dream matches WWE has stirred intense passion, as supporters envision historic confrontations with many of wrestling’s most celebrated figures.
John Cena’s impact, forged over more than two decades, places him among the greatest superstars to ever enter a WWE ring. Throughout his journey, he competed against many formidable rivals and secured a record-breaking 17 world championship victories, cementing his legacy as a defining force in professional wrestling.
Now entering the final phase of his career, Cena is set to join the prestigious list of stars who stepped away at the peak of their accomplishments. However, WWE’s history shows that icons sometimes return for one final match, and fans are eager to see which legends might re-emerge to face Cena in a career-capping encounter. Below are ten compelling legends who could come out of retirement for a dream clash with John Cena:
Booker T: Rekindling a Classic Rivalry
Early in Cena’s career, Booker T was instrumental in his ascent, as the pair battled over the WWE United States Championship during the Ruthless Aggression era. Their rivalry featured a storied Best of 7 series, providing memorable matches that helped launch Cena to stardom. Currently serving as a commentator for NXT and participating in other WWE projects, Booker T remains active within the company. A return to the ring, putting aside his commentary and other commitments, would allow him to relive the chemistry and competitive energy he once shared with Cena, potentially thrilling fans who remember their early clashes.
The Great Khali: Friends, Rivals, and Unfinished Business
Cena and The Great Khali shared a heated rivalry in 2007, clashing in hard-hitting bouts that tested both men’s physical limits. While their on-screen feud eventually gave way to friendship and memorable comedic moments—including Khali singing “Happy Birthday” to Cena and teaching him Punjabi—their legacy remains incomplete. The nostalgia associated with their unique chemistry could persuade Khali, now retired, to return for one last showcase against Cena, offering fans a mixture of humor and fierce competition on a grand stage.
Rob Van Dam: Reimagining a History-Making Showdown
Rob Van Dam’s wrestling career was highlighted by his victory over John Cena at ECW: One Night Stand in 2006, an upset that secured RVD the WWE Championship in front of a passionate crowd. Today, Van Dam occasionally makes special appearances, suggesting the possibility of another high-profile match. A renewed battle pitting Cena against the man who once dethroned him for championship gold would be a major nod to wrestling history, blending nostalgia with the potential for new classic moments.
The Undertaker: A Storybook Ending Awaiting Its Chapter
The Undertaker was the first significant WWE superstar to endorse Cena, setting him on a path toward greatness in his 2002 debut. Their professional paths crossed multiple times, with notable encounters during the Ruthless Aggression era and their most prominent meeting at WrestleMania 34, where The Undertaker decisively defeated Cena in a brief, electrifying match. Having retired from in-ring competition in 2020, The Phenom has spoken on his enduring desire to perform. Provided he regains peak physical condition, a final Undertaker-Cena match would create another monumental moment in both their storied careers.
Brock Lesnar: Titans Collide Once More?
Brock Lesnar and John Cena’s paths have interwoven since the early 2000s, producing legendary rivalries that culminated in explosive matches throughout their concurrent WWE careers. Although Lesnar is currently absent from TV following the surfacing of his name in the Vince McMahon-Janel Grant lawsuit and has indicated retirement to fans, the unpredictable nature of WWE returns leaves the door open. Lesnar’s comeback would set the stage for a hard-hitting, high-stakes encounter with Cena, certain to draw intense interest from wrestling’s dedicated fanbase.
Hulk Hogan: Generational Icons Crossing Paths At Last
John Cena grew up idolizing Hulk Hogan, a signature name in wrestling’s golden age. Despite frequent meetings outside competition, these two powerhouses never faced each other in the ring. Hogan remained an active performer during the early 2000s, overlapping with Cena’s rise, but a dream bout never materialized due to circumstance. If Hogan recovers sufficiently from his recent health issues, this highly anticipated clash between past and present icons could finally headline a massive WWE event.
Batista: Revisiting a Rivalry That Defined an Era
In the wake of WWE’s Attitude Era, Cena and Batista emerged as the company’s leading stars. Throughout the late 2000s, they stood as pillars of the organization, producing a series of memorable matchups that captivated global audiences. Though Batista, also known for his Hollywood career as Dave Bautista, has stepped away from professional wrestling, the prospect of a single return fight against his longtime peer could lure him back for a dramatic and emotional battle.
Kurt Angle: A Full-Circle Moment for Mentor and Protégé
Kurt Angle played a pivotal role in Cena’s launch, with Cena debuting in a high-profile challenge against him in 2002. Their intermittent feuds became staples for fans in subsequent years. Many believed Cena should have been Angle’s final opponent at WrestleMania 35, a spot that ultimately went to Baron Corbin. While Angle has concluded his in-ring career, the chance to end his journey against Cena—the protégé he helped unveil to the world—would be a symbolic passing of the torch that resonates deeply with WWE faithful.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: A Battle of Legends Still Awaiting Its Moment
Although John Cena has squared off against many legendary opponents, he has never shared a singles match with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the Attitude Era’s most popular figurehead. The two interacted on several occasions, including a poignant moment at a Tribute to the Troops event where Austin delivered his trademark stunner to Cena. With Austin having made a surprise return at WrestleMania 38, his readiness for another marquee bout remains possible. A face-off with Cena would fill a long-standing gap on both their résumés and provide a fitting spectacle for WWE’s global audience.
The Rock: Reigniting a Rivalry on the Biggest Stage
One of the most realistic and eagerly anticipated returns centers on The Rock, who recently made headlines alongside John Cena at the 2025 WWE Elimination Chamber PLE, where they shocked audiences by attacking Cody Rhodes. Years prior, Cena and The Rock’s rivalry delivered some of the biggest matches in wrestling history. The opportunity for these two mega-stars to create another unforgettable feud as Cena’s career draws to a close would guarantee a massive spectacle, revisiting their thrilling storyline with stakes higher than ever before.
John Cena’s legacy as a WWE Champion and one of wrestling’s most charismatic figures ensures that his retirement tour will be both emotional and historic. Each of these legends—Booker T, The Great Khali, Rob Van Dam, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Hulk Hogan, Batista, Kurt Angle, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock—has the stature and backstory to make a dream match with Cena resonate for generations. The next chapter for WWE could feature these unforgettable returns, marking the end of an era and the celebration of the sport’s enduring passion.
