John Cena’s WWE retirement tour, which started at Royal Rumble 2025, has been a spectacular journey for fans, highlighting some of his most memorable rivalries. Throughout the tour, Cena, a 17-time World Champion, has faced elite opponents like Randy Orton, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Logan Paul, delivering thrilling performances that have captivated audiences worldwide. However, several anticipated matches during this farewell tour were unexpectedly canceled, leaving fans wishing for more.
Rob Van Dam’s Planned Return Halted by Injury
Wrestling icon Rob Van Dam, who has been absent from WWE rings for years, was reportedly in discussions to make a comeback to face John Cena one last time. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Van Dam revealed that the match was likely to happen but was canceled after he suffered a severe injury.
“I wanted to be one of the return matches for John Cena on his retirement tour. I was talking to them. There was a lot of interest. Without giving away too many details, you know, we were probably going to do it. And then I broke my heels,” he said.
Van Dam sustained a double heel fracture in April, which forced WWE to abandon plans for the showdown. If he manages to recover in the coming months, there remains a possibility that the match could still occur, potentially becoming Cena’s final retirement bout.
Travis Scott’s In-Ring Appearance Removed After Fallout
John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber marked a new phase in his career, where he appeared less dominant as a solo performer. During his title match at WrestleMania, performer Travis Scott appeared, attacking Cody Rhodes and helping Cena secure a victory. Rumors then circulated about Scott making an in-ring appearance alongside Cena on the retirement tour.
These plans fell through following WWE’s recent fallout with Travis Scott, resulting in the cancellation of any further involvement in Cena’s tour matches.
The Rock’s Absence Ends Speculation of a Final Showdown
The People’s Champion played a pivotal part in Cena’s retirement storyline by prompting his heel turn at Elimination Chamber, but The Rock himself did not participate directly. At SummerSlam, when Cena turned back to a fan favorite in his match against Cody Rhodes, rumors spread about The Rock returning to confront Cena in a final singles match.
Due to The Rock’s busy Hollywood schedule, the anticipated showdown was canceled, and fans now face the reality that this much-anticipated match is unlikely to happen. The missed opportunity marks a significant absence from Cena’s farewell tour storyline.
Impact of Canceled Matches on John Cena’s Farewell
While John Cena’s retirement tour has delivered unforgettable moments against several legendary opponents, the cancelation of high-profile matches with Rob Van Dam, Travis Scott, and The Rock has left some gaps in the narrative. Each of these canceled matches had the potential to add further depth and excitement to Cena’s farewell journey. As Cena’s final chapter in WWE continues, fans hope that some of these postponed showdowns may eventually take place, giving the 17-time World Champion the send-off he deserves.
