John Cena’s final WWE match is officially set for December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) in Washington, D.C. This news marks a significant moment for fans, as Cena only has five more televised appearances left, including an October 11 match this year against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel. The question remains: who will face Cena in his farewell bout, and who might carry on his legacy?
Possible Successors: The Candidates for Cena’s Last Opponent
The identity of Cena’s final opponent has yet to be announced, but whoever steps into the ring with him will have a rare opportunity to shine on one of WWE’s biggest stages. Defeating a 17-time WWE Champion like Cena could solidify a superstar’s place as a top-tier talent in the company. Below, we explore four prominent WWE superstars rumored to be in the running to be Cena’s final challenger and the one to potentially inherit his legacy.
Gunther: The Austrian Contender
Gunther, known as The Ring General, is a leading candidate rumored to be Cena’s farewell opponent. Gunther has been sidelined since SummerSlam 2025 after losing the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk and suffering a broken nose during their match. Plans for a comeback on RAW after Crown Jewel could see Gunther challenge Cena at SNME.
Gunther’s credibility as a strong competitor makes him a fitting choice to close Cena’s in-ring career. He has recently proven his mettle by defeating Goldberg in Goldberg’s retirement match, further highlighting him as someone who can uphold Cena’s legacy by securing a victory over The Champ in Cena’s final bout.
Drew McIntyre: The Scottish Warrior’s Chance
Drew McIntyre, a former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion, stands out as another potential contender for Cena’s last opponent. Despite sharing the ring with Cena in tag team action recently on SmackDown, the two have never faced off in a singles match, something that could excite fans worldwide.
McIntyre’s reputation as a formidable in-ring performer and his history of championship reigns give him a strong case to be Cena’s final adversary. McIntyre himself has expressed his interest in competing against Cena in a one-on-one setting, showing his determination to be part of this historic moment. Whether this match materializes depends on WWE management’s decision.
Bron Breakker: The Rising Star
Bron Breakker is another emerging superstar frequently mentioned as a candidate for Cena’s final fight. Bursting onto the scene rapidly, Breakker is widely regarded as one of the company’s top young talents and its future main event star.
WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley recently voiced his support for a Cena vs. Breakker match, emphasizing his desire to see someone who could significantly benefit from facing Cena in his last match. Bubba noted the importance of selecting an opponent who gains momentum from this high-profile encounter. Whether WWE will follow this suggestion remains uncertain.
“I want to see this match because I want someone to be Cena’s opponent who can benefit from this match.” ?Bubba Ray Dudley, WWE Hall of Famer
Dominik Mysterio: The Young Champion
Dominik Mysterio’s name has also surfaced as a strong possibility for Cena’s final opponent, according to reports inside WWE. As the current Intercontinental and AAA Mega Champion, Mysterio is among the brightest young talents in WWE’s locker room.
Notably, the Intercontinental Championship is the only singles title Cena has never held, meaning a victory over Mysterio for that title could grant Cena Grand Slam Champion status. Adding to the intrigue, Mysterio recently teased Cena by suggesting that if Cena truly wanted to become a Grand Slam Champion, he should face him in the ring. This personal challenge and Mysterio’s rising status could make their meeting a compelling farewell match.
The decision on who Cena will face remains a closely guarded secret, but any of these four contenders could carry forward The Champ’s legacy in WWE.
The Significance of Cena’s Final Match
John Cena’s final WWE match is more than just a farewell bout; it represents a symbolic passing of the torch to the next generation of WWE superstars. The opponent Cena selects—or who is selected for him—stands to gain immense prestige and momentum. With his career spanning over two decades and 17 world championships, Cena’s last match will undoubtedly be historic, potentially reshaping WWE’s future stars and storylines.
Fans eagerly await the announcement of Cena’s final opponent, as this match will likely highlight WWE’s commitment to showcasing top talent poised to lead the company in the years to come.
