John Cena is set to compete in his final professional wrestling match on December 13th, fueling speculation about who will face him one last time. Amid the intense anticipation surrounding this milestone, WWE NXT star Kelani Jordan has publicly supported her partner, Carmelo Hayes, as the ideal choice for Cena’s last opponent, highlighting the potential impact on Hayes’s career.
The former 16-time world champion is currently on a retirement tour, with his next bout scheduled against AJ Styles at the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event in Perth, Australia. This matchup was confirmed after Cena sought input from fans via social media, sparking widespread discussion about how he will conclude his storied in-ring career.
Kelani Jordan Advocates for Carmelo Hayes as Cena’s Final Opponent
Kelani Jordan, a WWE NXT competitor and Carmelo Hayes’s real-life partner, expressed strong support for Hayes as Cena’s farewell adversary. On the wrestling podcast Busted Open, Jordan suggested that this opportunity would significantly elevate Hayes’s standing in WWE.
“So, I’m biased, so of course I’m going to pick Carmelo Hayes. I think he should lose his last match. If he were able to wrestle, say like Melo, he can be able to put him over, and, like, jumpstart his career more than it already is because being able to beat someone like John Cena, your credibility and equitability goes all the way up.” said Jordan.
Jordan’s remarks underline the potential for a final match against Cena to boost Hayes’s reputation, leveraging the prestige of facing and possibly defeating one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.
Bill Apter Proposes Gunther as a Strong Candidate for Cena’s Retirement Match
Renowned wrestling journalist Bill Apter has voiced a different vision for Cena’s last opponent, favoring the return of WWE’s “Ring General,” Gunther. Currently absent from WWE television, Gunther represents a powerful contender in Apter’s view.
During an appearance on The Wrestling Time Machine podcast, Apter shared his preference for Gunther to face Cena, even suggesting that Gunther winning would add value to both wrestlers’ legacies.
“We don’t know who his opponent is going to be yet. A lot of people are speculating it’s going to be Brock Lesnar. Cena is going to get the win over Lesnar to get even. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. What I would like to see happen, there’s another guy I want to see come back and be Cena’s final opponent. That would be Gunther. I think that would be a great final match.” He added, “I want to see Cena vs. Gunther in Cena’s retirement match. And if Cena doesn’t win, it’s okay. Gunther gets stronger with the win over John Cena,”
Apter’s suggestion contrasts with the popular rumor that Brock Lesnar will be Cena’s closing adversary, offering an alternative that spotlights emerging talent while honoring Cena’s career.
Upcoming Appearances Leading to Cena’s Final Bout
Following the crowded anticipation for his retirement match, Cena is scheduled to appear at several major WWE events before December 13th. These include the Crown Jewel event in Australia, two episodes of RAW, and Survivor Series. Each appearance serves to build momentum for Cena’s final wrestling night, Saturday Night’s Main Event.
WWE fans and insiders remain particularly interested to see how these lead-up events contribute to Cena’s farewell narrative and which opponent will ultimately share the spotlight with him one last time.
The Broader Impact of Cena’s Final Match on WWE
John Cena’s final opponent selection is more than just a closing chapter for one wrestler; it represents a pivotal moment for WWE’s future talent showcase and legacy building. If Carmelo Hayes receives this opportunity, it could elevate the NXT Champion to a new level of visibility and credibility. Similarly, positioning Gunther as Cena’s counterpart could highlight WWE’s focus on powerful, dominant in-ring performances. The decision will likely influence storylines and character trajectories across WWE’s roster in the coming months.
As Cena concludes a career that has spanned decades and reshaped professional wrestling, his final match will symbolize both a farewell to fans and a bridge to WWE’s next generation of stars. The debate over his final opponent reflects the high stakes and passion surrounding this momentous occasion.
The last time really is now. @JohnCena’s final match is set for #SNME in Washington, D.C. on December 13. Get your tickets on Oct. 17 because after this…you can’t see him. pic.twitter.com/ZKHNrpDZh6
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 30, 2025
