John Cena is officially scheduled to retire from WWE by December 2025, but a growing fan theory involving The Rock is fueling speculation that Cena’s retirement might be delayed until 2026. According to reports from Boston-based station WCVB, Cena’s final match is set for December 13, yet some fans believe an unexpected intervention from The Rock could change those plans.
The theory imagines Cena delivering an emotional farewell to his fans on the night of his retirement, only to have The Rock’s iconic music interrupt, signaling a new challenge. This hypothetical scenario has energized fans who envision Cena postponing his retirement to face The Rock at WrestleMania 42, extending the legendary rivalry between the two WWE superstars.
Imagining The Rock’s Surprise Appearance During Cena’s Farewell
A popular WWE fan account on X, Dream Wrestling, has shared a vivid scenario that has captured community attention. On December 13, after Cena’s expected farewell speech, The Rock’s theme music would play, and he would enter the ring to stop Cena from retiring. This surprise moment would reignite rivalry talks and set the stage for a high-profile showdown the following year.
You don’t get to walk away when The Rock doesn’t want you to… You leave only when The Rock says so.
—The Rock, as imagined by Dream Wrestling
This hypothetical moment is seen as a potential highlight that would electrify the WWE Universe, sparking conversations about delaying Cena’s retirement until the anticipated WrestleMania event in 2026.
IMAGING THIS SCENARIO : December 13th, the night Cena retires…After an emotional match, Cena grabs the mic, delivers a heartfelt farewell speech, and thanks the fans for riding with him all these years.But just as he’s about to leave…The Rock’s music hits! Rock steps… pic.twitter.com/4RVYwCMCkE
—Dream Wrestling, WWE Fan Account
Possible Continuation of the Cena-Rock Rivalry at WrestleMania 42
Fans suggest that if The Rock interrupts Cena’s retirement night, the latter might push his retirement out until WrestleMania 42 to face his longtime rival. Cena and The Rock famously clashed at WrestleMania 28 and 29, making this a natural climax for their ongoing storylines. Some even speculate both legends might retire together after that match, providing a groundbreaking farewell for two of WWE’s biggest stars.
Despite the excitement, there is mixed opinion; some fans prefer Cena’s retirement plans to proceed as scheduled without extending into next year, expressing frustration over potential delays.
The Rock’s Absence and Its Impact on Cena’s Heel Turn Storyline
The Rock’s absence during key WWE events this year, especially after instigating the Cena vs. Cody Rhodes feud at the Elimination Chamber, has left both fans and Cena himself disappointed. The Rock’s sporadic involvement affected Cena’s heel turn storyline, which many hoped would culminate at WrestleMania 41 but instead felt incomplete.
Instead of The Rock finishing the narrative, Travis Scott was sent as his substitute, a moment widely regarded as forgettable and damaging to the storyline’s momentum. This lack of presence was described as a betrayal by fans, and Cena openly criticized The Rock’s failure to appear during pivotal moments.
In the SmackDown episode before SummerSlam, Cena reverted to his fan-favorite “face” persona and delivered a candid response:
That was just the boot in the a** that I needed
—John Cena
He went on to condemn the storyline’s direction, stating:
For 20 years, day in and day out, I have forged a reputation off of hard work, honesty, and respect. And I now realize that five months ago, I flushed it all down the toilet, chasing false glory when I bought into somebody’s crazy idea to make shocking TV.
—John Cena
Furthermore, Cena criticized those who abandoned him during this troubled storyline, saying:
And the people that were supposed to be on my team – they left. And they left me alone, trying to pretend to be something I’m not
—John Cena
The Rock, meanwhile, explained in a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that he chose to step away to let Cena and Rhodes build their narrative without his dominating presence.
Let ‘The Final Boss’ step back into the shadows. Let all the spotlight go to John, let it go to Cody.
—The Rock
He also expressed pride in having created one of the most significant story arcs since Hulk Hogan’s heel turn in the 1990s but wanted Cena and Rhodes to own the outcome.
John Cena’s Own Words Indicate a Final Goodbye in December
Despite fan theories, John Cena’s statements suggest he is serious about retiring by the end of 2025. In a July interview with the New York Post, Cena confirmed:
My last match will be in mid-December. We’re still trying to find out a place to do it.
—John Cena
He revealed in another interview with ExtraTV that his physical condition has deteriorated due to years of intense wrestling, sharing the toll it has taken on his body while acknowledging the emotional weight his retirement carries. According to FadeAwayMedia/X:
My back hurts. My arms hurt. My body’s hurt. Painful. I think the emotion will set in when it’s all over in December.
—John Cena
During a conversation with Stephanie McMahon on her podcast, Cena elaborated on why he’s stepping away, citing the demands of his past schedule and the impact on his personal life. He said:
A schedule like I was doing in 2013 would destroy me right now. It will ruin me and ruin my relationship, and that’s the tip of my spear. So I gotta close a chapter, that’s it.
—John Cena
His remarks emphasize his desire to prioritize his health and his marriage to Shay Shariatzadeh over continuing his wrestling career, casting doubt on the likelihood of a 2026 comeback.
What Fans Are Anticipating as Cena’s Career Closes
While Cena’s statements seem definitive, fans worldwide hold onto hope for a dramatic final chapter, especially fueled by the idea of a WrestleMania clash with The Rock. Both the thrill of their past battles and the emotional weight of Cena’s farewell keep fans engaged, even amid frustration over WWE’s handling of recent storylines.
Whether The Rock will indeed step in to prevent Cena’s retirement or if Cena will honor his plans remains uncertain. What is clear is that Cena’s WWE career has left an indelible mark, and the anticipation around his final match highlights the significance of his legacy.
As the WrestleMania 42 event approaches, all eyes will be on whether this fan-driven theory becomes reality or if Cena will conclude his storied career as planned in December 2025.
