John Cena recently lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025, only to be attacked by Brock Lesnar on the same night. While many expected Lesnar’s return to lead into a high-profile match at Clash in Paris, Lesnar has not appeared since. Cena, however, is set to face Logan Paul at the upcoming WWE event. Despite glimpses of Cena’s past rivalries returning during this farewell tour, several significant former opponents will not be part of the action.
Why Some of Cena’s Biggest Rivals Are Missing
The creative team, led by Triple H, has included encounters with stars like CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Brock Lesnar, but certain wrestlers who shared intense rivalries with Cena will not appear during his retirement run. This absence is due to factors ranging from departures to current commitments in other promotions, and some wrestlers’ decisions to stay out of the ring.
Batista: A Reluctant Goodbye After a Heated Rivalry
The feud between John Cena and Batista began in 2010 when Vince McMahon immediately granted Batista a WWE Championship match after Cena won the title in an Elimination Chamber event. Although Batista defeated Cena initially, Cena reclaimed the championship in a rematch. Their rivalry escalated with several attempts by Batista to regain the title, culminating in a brutal “I Quit” match where Batista sustained a severe injury after being thrown off a car and through the stage.
This rivalry generated immense crowd excitement, but unfortunately, fans are unlikely to see a final Cena vs. Batista match on the retirement tour. Batista left WWE after losing a career match against Triple H at WrestleMania 35, effectively ending any chance for a reunion in WWE.
Edge’s Departure Leaves a Hole in the Farewell Storyline
Edge’s long-standing feud with John Cena was highlighted when the Rated-R Superstar won Cena’s WWE Championship in a Triple-Threat Match on RAW in July 2006. Edge successfully defended the title against Cena at SummerSlam before losing it back in a memorable TLC match. They clashed once more during Edge’s last chance rematch, which ended when members of the newly reformed D-Generation X interfered.
With Cena’s retirement approaching, Edge’s involvement is improbable, as he no longer works for WWE and has since signed with AEW. This move prevents fans from witnessing another chapter of their storied rivalry in Cena’s farewell run.
Sheamus: A Historic Rivalry Overshadowed by Current Commitments
Sheamus created one of his most memorable moments when he defeated John Cena at TLC 2009 to capture his first WWE Championship just 166 days after his debut. Their rivalry extended through several matches in which Sheamus, playing a heel, frequently triumphed over Cena. Despite this rich history, Sheamus’s present focus lies in a feud with Rusev on RAW, making it highly unlikely he will face Cena during the latter’s retirement festivities.
Rusev’s Interrupted Journey Back to WWE’s Spotlight
In 2015, Rusev and John Cena exchanged victories over the United States Championship, with Rusev initially defeating Cena at Fastlane, only to lose the title to him at WrestleMania 31. Rusev’s momentum was hindered by his 2020 release during the COVID-19 pandemic. After debuting in AEW the same year, Rusev eventually returned to WWE, but a renewed feud against Cena appears unlikely for the retirement tour.
Wade Barrett’s Transition Away from In-Ring Competition
Wade Barrett led the ruthless Nexus faction, regularly targeting John Cena during his WWE Championship reigns, including matches against Sheamus. Their rivalry climaxed in a Chairs Match at TLC 2010, where Cena emerged victorious. Barrett later transitioned to a commentary role on SmackDown after a hiatus, significantly reducing the chance of him returning to the ring for a Cena showdown. At 45, Barrett seems focused on his broadcasting duties rather than wrestling, closing the door on a potential farewell bout with Cena.
The Impact of These Exclusions on Cena’s Farewell Tour
The absence of these five former rivals—Batista, Edge, Sheamus, Rusev, and Wade Barrett—from John Cena’s retirement tour leaves some fans feeling unsettled, as the Franchize Player’s story has been defined by these intense feuds. Although the creative team has successfully brought back other key competitors for Cena’s final run, these exclusions underscore complications involving departures, current engagements, and career shifts.
Despite the frustrations, Cena’s scheduled match with Logan Paul and appearances by stars like Brock Lesnar provide high-profile moments that continue to attract attention. As Cena nears the conclusion of his WWE journey, the retirement tour not only celebrates his legacy but also highlights the shifting dynamics of wrestling’s current landscape.
