John Cena is entering the final phase of his WWE career, with retirement scheduled for the end of 2025. As part of his farewell tour, Cena is revisiting significant rivalries while preparing new matchups to keep fans engaged throughout this final chapter, highlighting the John Cena WWE wrestling soulmates who shaped his journey.
Wrestling Peers John Cena Credits as Soulmates
During a recent appearance at the Boston Fan Expo, John Cena opened up about the wrestlers he considers his closest peers in the ring. He identified Randy Orton, Edge, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles as his wrestling soulmates, adding that Cody Rhodes also deserves recognition for his impact on Cena’s career.
“I have a few wrestling soulmates. Those are Randy Orton, Edge, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles. But gosh, I can’t take any shine away from Cody Rhodes–add him, too.” —John Cena, WWE Superstar
Key Rivalries Fueling Cena’s Retirement Tour in 2025
John Cena’s recent matches have spotlighted long-standing rivalries, including an Undisputed WWE Championship bout against Randy Orton on May 10, 2025, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. This match was promoted as a final chapter in their two-decade rivalry, drawing intense fan interest. Later, Cena returned to face CM Punk in their first singles match since 2013, headlining the Night of Champions on June 28, 2025, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, successfully defending his Undisputed WWE title.
Throughout 2025, Cena’s conflict with Cody Rhodes escalated significantly. From turning on Rhodes at Elimination Chamber to their showdown at WrestleMania, the feud culminated in a high-stakes Street Fight rematch at SummerSlam, both contests centered around the coveted Undisputed WWE Championship. These bouts deepened the narrative of Cena’s farewell, underscoring the emotional and physical toll of his closing run.
Upcoming Matches: Logan Paul and Brock Lesnar Appear in Cena’s Final Run
Looking ahead, Cena is set to face Logan Paul at Clash in Paris on August 31, 2025, at Paris La Défense Arena—a match officially announced during the August 8 episode of SmackDown. This bout signifies a fresh rivalry, adding a new layer of anticipation as Cena approaches retirement.
Additionally, the return of Brock Lesnar hints at yet another monumental storyline for Cena’s final months. Lesnar made a surprising comeback at SummerSlam 2025 at MetLife Stadium, delivering an F-5 to Cena to close the event’s second night. This move signals an imminent renewal of their rivalry, likely setting up a major confrontation before Cena steps away from the ring.
Context on the Emotional and Career Impacts Surrounding Cena’s Farewell
John Cena’s decision to retire reflects not only his physical limits as a performer but also his dedication to supporting the next generation of WWE talent. As Cena reduces his in-ring presence, his focus shifts toward enabling newer stars to rise without being overshadowed, creating space within WWE’s roster for emerging wrestlers.
Meanwhile, other prominent figures in WWE have experienced moments of uncertainty and transition. Ric Flair shared how Hulk Hogan’s death brought about personal reflections on mortality, adding a serious tone to the broader wrestling community. Similarly, veteran voices have voiced concerns regarding the fading momentum of talents like Jade Cargill, highlighting the challenging dynamics for wrestlers navigating WWE’s evolving landscape.
Broader WWE Storylines and Talent Developments Amid Cena’s Final Year
As Cena wraps up his career, WWE remains busy with numerous developments that will shape its future. The recent release of Karrion Kross sparked strong reactions from fans and industry insiders alike, while speculation continues about Rhea Ripley’s potential to main event the next WrestleMania alongside major WWE stars. In parallel, The Rock is rumored to have played a financial role in Brock Lesnar’s WWE return, underscoring ongoing shifts behind the scenes. These events illustrate a wrestling world grappling with change as iconic figures like John Cena prepare to retire.
John Cena’s final run also creates excitement around a potentially historic match against Brock Lesnar, with details about the timing and venue still emerging but clearly marking this bout as a possible climax to Cena’s in-ring journey. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as Cena’s farewell tour unfolds, recognizing both the legacy he leaves and the unknowns ahead for WWE’s future.
