John Cena has stirred anticipation among wrestling fans with a recent Instagram post hinting at a potential match involving a TNA star during his Farewell Tour, which ends on December 13. The 17-time world champion has influenced WWE storylines before, notably urging Triple H to arrange a bout against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel on October 11, and now fans hope for another high-profile clash involving TNA talent.
Countdown to Cena’s Farewell Tour as Fans Clamor for Additional Dream Matches
With only five remaining dates on John Cena’s Farewell Tour, speculation grows that he might extend his run to include more dream encounters, possibly even until WrestleMania 42. Cena’s retirement comes at a unique moment as WWE has formed a partnership with TNA, a company once considered its biggest rival during Cena’s prime. AJ Styles, a renowned TNA figure, transitioned to WWE late in his career, adding intensity to this collaboration.
Meanwhile, Matt Cardona, previously known as Zack Ryder, represents a wrestler who took the opposite path by departing WWE in April 2020. Once a United States Champion and beneficiary of Cena’s spotlight through his YouTube series Z! True Long Island Story, Cardona has flourished since leaving WWE. His accolades include winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and other titles.
Cardona recently appeared on NXT as part of the ongoing TNA invasion storyline, a key angle in WWE’s current programming. Cena acknowledged this by posting a photo on Instagram showing Cardona in the crowd at Full Sail on September 23.
Fans eagerly responded to Cena’s post, urging for a match between the two before Cena retires. One wrote,
“Not too late for Cardona vs Cena.”
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Another added,
“We are getting closer to Cena vs Cardona.”
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One fan pleaded,
“Please John, let (Cardona) be your last match. He is the one that deserves to carry your torch.”
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Another declared,
“Well cena vs Cardona would save the retirement run.”
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Currently, the WWE-TNA partnership has fueled storylines such as the invasion angle, where wrestlers from both promotions engaged in a brawl to conclude a recent NXT episode, intensifying interest in inter-promotional contests.
Potential for Matt Cardona to Face John Cena Before Farewell Tour Ends
There remains a possibility that Matt Cardona may face John Cena before the Farewell Tour concludes, potentially marking Cena’s first-ever appearance on a TNA event. A match between the two could take place on an episode of iMPACT! in November, but a bout at Bound For Glory on October 12 is unlikely since it falls the night after Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia.
Cardona spoke openly about his desire to wrestle Cena again during an interview with SEScoops in July 2024:
“John is such a great guy. He’s somebody who’s definitely helped me in my career. But, yeah, all those posts that I’m making on social media, they’re not BS. I would love to wrestle John Cena one last time. I think with the way WWE is now, it’s something that could happen where I could just walk in, whether it be for one day, or make a return.”
Matt Cardona
He even suggested a storyline angle where Cardona blames Cena for his stalled WWE career, adding dramatic depth to their potential encounter:
“I think, Zack Ryder vs. John Cena, those matches were fine. (But) John Cena vs. Matt Cardona, that’s where the story is, right? Because you could play it so many different ways. Matt Cardona could say, ‘John, you’re the reason my WWE career didn’t take off.’ There’s so many things that we could play into.”
Matt Cardona
Although it remains uncertain if Cena will schedule a match against Cardona before retiring, no formal restriction exists to prevent Cena from participating in a special TNA event, which would be a remarkable twist in his final wrestling chapter.
Implications of a John Cena TNA Match for Wrestling Fans and the Industry
A potential John Cena TNA match would carry significant weight for wrestling enthusiasts, offering a rare cross-promotional spectacle that revives interest in longstanding rivalries. Cena’s Farewell Tour has captured attention globally, and adding such a high-stakes bout could elevate the tour’s appeal while solidifying the partnership between WWE and TNA.
For Matt Cardona, facing Cena could provide vital career closure and spotlight renewed opportunities outside WWE. For Cena, this match would enrich his farewell narrative, demonstrating his willingness to bridge wrestling worlds even as he approaches retirement. Fans and industry insiders alike eagerly await further developments that could confirm this highly anticipated showdown.
