John Cena retiring as 17-time WWE World Champion has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, especially after reaching this milestone by turning heel—a rare move for the fan favorite. Following his declaration to walk away at the top, speculation is rife over whether Cena could retire both the Undisputed WWE Championship and possibly the World Heavyweight Championship, fundamentally altering the WWE landscape.
Cena’s Heel Turn and Pursuit of Wrestling History
At WrestleMania 41, John Cena overcame Cody Rhodes to capture his record-breaking 17th World Title, an accomplishment that immediately triggered intense debate among fans and insiders. He defended this new reign by toppling long-time rival Randy Orton and then bested R-Truth in a non-title encounter at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cena now intends to exit the sport as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, a move reportedly designed to force WWE management to create a replacement championship belt to fill the void left by the storied title.
Whispers within the WWE universe suggest Cena may even try to retire the World Heavyweight Championship next. If both major titles leave with retiring veterans, it could create an unprecedented scenario, leaving WWE without an official world champion and challenging the company’s very foundation.
Developments Among WWE’s Champions and Veterans
On a recent Monday Night RAW broadcast, Gunther reclaimed the World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Jey Uso, making him a central figure in ongoing title storylines. The possibility of WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg returning for his final match against Gunther has also added fuel to fan theories. Should Goldberg’s farewell include a shot at the title, insiders think Cena might ally with Goldberg, possibly changing the course of WWE history by helping “Da Man” become World Champion.
If these plans advance, John Cena and Goldberg could exit WWE holding both major world titles, raising concerns that the company would temporarily lack a true world champion. The idea has passionate supporters and critics alike, with some warning that it could have significant negative consequences for wrestling as a whole. WWE has not confirmed any details regarding this scenario, and much remains speculation.
Potential Opponents for Cena’s Final Matches
While Cena’s current run as Undisputed WWE Champion has been eventful, including a successful defense against Randy Orton at Backlash in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis and a non-title win over R-Truth at SNME 39, there are still high-profile challenges left. Cena is set to meet CM Punk at the upcoming Night of Champions, a match that fans and critics eagerly await. With roughly six months left in what’s being billed as his Farewell Tour, Cena could still face a number of his storied rivals and emerging stars.
Possible future matches could involve veterans like AJ Styles, The Miz, and Roman Reigns, as well as returning legends such as Brock Lesnar. Some speculate about first-ever encounters with Gunther or rising talents like Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu, offering opportunities for dream matches before Cena’s final curtain call.
A crucial question remains over whether John Cena will end his career as champion or if someone else will dethrone him before retirement. Fans and pundits alike are eager to learn which rival, veteran, or newcomer might be chosen for this historic moment, with answers expected to unfold in the coming months.
What Losing Both Titles Could Mean for WWE
Should Cena and another veteran retire as champions without passing the torches, the absence of both the Undisputed WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship could force WWE to reimagine its hierarchy and storylines. This pivotal moment could trigger a wave of innovation—or a period of instability within the organization—as the company scrambles to establish new titles and recapture fan engagement.
While nothing is confirmed, the possibility of John Cena retiring as a 17-time WWE World Champion and taking two of wrestling’s most prestigious titles with him highlights the ever-evolving and unpredictable nature of sports entertainment. WWE, its competitors, and fans worldwide now await official announcements and the next chapter in this dramatic saga.
