John Cena, a WWE icon currently on his retirement tour, will no longer participate in a significant planned event at SummerSlam 2025 due to an injury affecting a key collaborator. The Triple H-led creative team had arranged for NBA star Tyrese Haliburton to accompany Cena at the event, but these John Cena SummerSlam 2025 plans were halted after Haliburton suffered an injury. The cancellation also came in the wake of the Indiana Pacers’ unexpected loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Cena recently faced Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at this year’s SummerSlam in New York. Despite being 48 years old, Cena delivered a highly impressive performance but ultimately lost to Rhodes, also known as The American Nightmare.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Role Was Dependent on Pacers’ Success and His Fitness
During a recent episode of Logan Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast, Tyrese Haliburton, an avid WWE fan and NBA player, shared details about his brief interaction with Triple H regarding SummerSlam plans. Haliburton revealed a casual discussion that took place about the possibility of him escorting Cena out as a heel character during the event if the Indiana Pacers won the NBA championship.
However, Haliburton’s injury and the Pacers’ loss made the idea untenable. He expressed the significance he placed on the prospect of both winning the title with his team and participating at SummerSlam.
“The plan was, like, two months ago. And when I say plan, I mean very, very loosely, like I talked with H maybe about one time. I was like, if Cena’s a heel in New York and we win a championship, let me walk him out with the trophy… When I got hurt, the first two things were, this game, next season, John Cena… My trainer asked me, ‘What would be a bigger deal to you, winning the championship or walking out… John Cena, with the trophy?’… neck and neck, 1 and 2,” he said. [52:06 – 53:47]
Dominik Mysterio Challenges John Cena for Intercontinental Championship
Separately, WWE star Dominik Mysterio issued a direct challenge to John Cena on The Rap On Wrestling Podcast. Mysterio proposed a match where Cena would pursue the Intercontinental Championship, advancing his goal of achieving the prestigious Grand Slam Champion status within WWE. Mysterio showed eagerness to welcome Cena into the ring for this contest, suggesting the rivalry could be a fitting finale to Cena’s WWE career.
“I mean, he can try. What’s that thing he says? You want some? Come get some. You know what, John? You know where I’m at. If you want to finish your Grand Slam quest, these little side quests you’re on, I’m here all day. Every Monday, you know where I’ll be,” Mysterio said.
Future of John Cena’s Retirement Tour Hinges on WWE Creative Direction
With major plans involving John Cena at SummerSlam 2025 deferred, the WWE’s creative team led by Triple H is expected to rethink the remaining elements of Cena’s retirement tour. The outcome of this revision will likely shape Cena’s remaining appearances in the promotion, as well as potential new storylines featuring prominent wrestlers like Dominik Mysterio and Cody Rhodes.
The involvement of sports personalities outside wrestling, such as Tyrese Haliburton, had sparked interest in blending entertainment and sports sectors at WWE’s biggest events. However, unforeseen setbacks like injuries and team losses demonstrate the unpredictability of such cross-promotional efforts.
