John Cena is concluding his WWE career this December, marking the end of an era with an emotional retirement tour. Despite some memorable matches against opponents like Randy Orton and CM Punk, several pivotal figures from Cena’s storied career are notably missing from this farewell journey, leaving fans wondering about the absence of those who shaped his legacy.
Vince McMahon’s Critical Role and Absence
Vince McMahon played an indispensable role in shaping John Cena’s WWE success, refusing to let Cena turn heel and helping to establish him as one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history. Surprisingly, McMahon will not appear during Cena’s final run, even though his presence would have brought significant meaning to the farewell tour. Bubba Ray Dudley recently expressed on the Busted Open podcast that McMahon should have attended Cena’s last match, highlighting how it would complete the narrative of Cena’s career and provide an emotional moment for the fans.
Edge’s Impact and Contractual Barriers
Edge has been an essential adversary in John Cena’s WWE journey, delivering some of the most unforgettable feuds, including stealing the WWE Championship from Cena. However, Edge’s current deal with AEW prevents him from participating in Cena’s retirement tour. Fans had hoped to hear Edge’s iconic theme, Metalingus, once more as he faced Cena on the road to farewell, but this dream has been sidelined due to the strained relationship between WWE and AEW. For now, fans can only relive those moments through the WWE 2K video game series.
Batista’s Career Shift and Retirement
The Royal Rumble of 2005 remains a landmark moment where Cena and Batista simultaneously eliminated each other, sparking many legendary matches and rivalries. Despite the desire of many to see a final match between these two stars, Batista retired ahead of Cena and has since focused on his Hollywood career. This shift means the likelihood of a meaningful rematch has diminished, as Batista is no longer in his prime, and a bout now would lack the intensity of their past encounters.
Bray Wyatt’s Legacy and Tragic Passing
Bray Wyatt was a visionary when it came to character creation in WWE, and his mysterious, dark persona revitalized eerie gimmicks in wrestling. His untimely passing in 2023 left a void in WWE that fans still feel deeply. Wyatt’s encounters with Cena produced some of the most compelling moments of his career, including their unusual but memorable match at WrestleMania 36 where Wyatt claimed his only WrestleMania victory. While the chance for a final showdown is no longer possible, their multiple feuds remain treasured highlights that defined both wrestlers’ careers.
The Big Show’s Early Rivalry and Current Status
John Cena’s WrestleMania debut in 2004 saw him win his first WWE title, the United States Championship, against The Big Show. The two continued to share notable rivalries throughout their WWE tenure. A final match between Cena and The Big Show would have offered a fitting farewell by revisiting his first WrestleMania opponent. Unfortunately, as The Big Show is now signed with AEW, similar to Edge, this cross-promotional matchup is not feasible at this time.
Significance of Missing Legends on Cena’s Farewell
The absence of these key figures—Vince McMahon, Edge, Batista, Bray Wyatt, and The Big Show—from John Cena’s retirement tour leaves a bittersweet note on what is otherwise a remarkable farewell. These individuals not only shaped Cena’s career but also impacted WWE history in significant ways. Their exclusion underlines ongoing challenges in the wrestling industry, such as contractual restrictions and shifts in personal careers. For fans, this means remembering Cena’s remarkable run through a mix of present moments and cherished memories rather than a final all-star sendoff. As Cena closes this chapter, the impact of these missing presences will be felt deeply, underscoring the complexity and emotional gravity of his WWE retirement tour.
