John Cena’s Retirement Tour is nearing its conclusion, and speculation about his final opponent is intensifying. Recent rumors suggest that WWE might determine Cena’s last challenger through a gauntlet match, possibly involving six wrestlers from the RAW roster. This setup aims to create a compelling end to the 17-time world champion’s in-ring career.
Potential Candidates for Cena’s Final Gauntlet
If WWE holds a gauntlet match to decide John Cena’s farewell opponent, the competition will likely feature six select stars. The focus appears to be on performers primarily from RAW, narrowing the pool to a few top names who have either history with Cena or promise for the future.
Paul Heyman’s Choice: Bron Breakker
One prominent contender could be Bron Breakker, who has been heavily promoted as a future star under the mentorship of Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins in the Vision faction. Breakker has previously competed in a gauntlet match but fell short of victory. If WWE wants to elevate a rising talent by having him face Cena, Breakker would be an ideal pick. A win in the gauntlet could restore momentum for him, especially if tensions within the Vision faction grow.
LA Knight’s Role and Connection to Cena
Another option involves LA Knight, a wrestler with whom Cena has a shared history, notably teaming against the Bloodline faction two years ago. Though they have never competed one-on-one, their potential for a promo battle is significant. Knight’s prominence on RAW since his move to Monday nights makes his inclusion in the gauntlet plausible, aligning with his current push in WWE storylines.
Jey Uso’s Possible Final Showdown with Cena
Jey Uso could also enter the gauntlet, with the possibility of winning and going on to face Cena in the final match. The two have notable recent history, having been the last two entrants in the 2025 Royal Rumble event. That moment was pivotal, forcing Cena into the Elimination Chamber match and leading to his heel turn. Cena’s last match might also serve as a catalyst for turning Jey Uso into a villain, continuing his recent shift toward a more selfish and aggressive persona under Roman Reigns’ influence.
Sheamus and Revisiting a Historic Rivalry
Sheamus remains a viable contender, despite not appearing prominently on RAW in recent months. As a former rival who won his first world title by defeating Cena, a final confrontation between these two would hold significant story value. Although Sheamus has not been involved in current high-profile events like Clash in Paris or Crown Jewel, a match against Cena could add a meaningful chapter before Cena’s retirement. Additionally, it could serve as an opportunity for Sheamus to pursue the Intercontinental Championship, which remains absent from his achievements.
Rusev’s Quest for Redemption Against the 17-Time Champion
Rusev represents another rival from Cena’s past who might be featured in the gauntlet. His momentum as United States Champion faltered after facing Cena, leading many fans to believe his career trajectory slowed afterward. With Cena retiring and Rusev having made a WWE comeback, a match where Rusev faces and possibly defeats Cena could provide the Bulgarian Brute with a career boost and a chance at redemption.
Gunther as the Leading Candidate for Cena’s Final Opponent
The current frontrunner rumored to face Cena is Gunther, known as The Ring General. Gunther’s style echoes the foreign heel archetype Cena frequently faced earlier in his career. A former World Heavyweight Champion and the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion, Gunther’s recent struggles losing the World Heavyweight title twice might be offset by a victory over a wrestling legend like Cena. Defeating Cena in his final match could restore Gunther’s standing and reinforce his status at the top of WWE.
Implications and What Lies Ahead for WWE
Determining John Cena’s final opponent through a gauntlet match offers WWE a unique storytelling device that blends past rivalries with future potential. This format could highlight multiple wrestlers while building anticipation for Cena’s farewell bout. Whether it results in elevating a rising star like Bron Breakker or solidifying a top-tier talent like Gunther, the match will likely have lasting effects on WWE’s landscape.
The choice of Cena’s final adversary will shape the narrative surrounding his retirement, potentially launching new feuds or character developments. Wrestlers such as Jey Uso and LA Knight also stand to benefit from the spotlight, which could influence creative directions on RAW. Fans and officials alike await official confirmation as one of the company’s biggest traditions nears its end, underscoring the significance of this career milestone.
