John Cena is expected to conclude his WWE career with a highly anticipated WrestleMania match, igniting intrigue among fans. Following a surprising defeat to Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, discussions have intensified about how Cena’s final match might unfold, with potential plans to extend his run into 2026 and deliver a memorable send-off at WrestleMania 42.
Recently, John Cena experienced a swift defeat by Brock Lesnar during Wrestlepalooza, an event held last Saturday in Indianapolis. The match was notably one-sided, leaving many spectators stunned, including younger fans visibly upset at seeing their idol overwhelmed in such a dominant display. This loss may mark their last encounter, as Cena is scheduled to retire by the end of 2025, with four remaining televised appearances planned.
Despite this looming retirement, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has voiced the opinion that Cena’s final match should be reserved for WrestleMania 42. On the Busted Open Podcast, Ray suggested that Cena’s last bout should not take place in December at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, but rather be extended until April 2026 to preserve the grandeur of his farewell. Ray also expressed openness to a rematch between Lesnar and Cena in Las Vegas, believing it could generate significant excitement and revenue.
Proposals for Extending Cena’s Legacy Beyond the Current Schedule
Bully Ray argued that Cena’s last WrestleMania match, possibly against Brock Lesnar, would create a marquee moment for the WWE. He stands by the idea that extending Cena’s contract to encompass WrestleMania in Las Vegas would not be a deceptive tactic but a way to settle unfinished business.
John Cena’s last match at WrestleMania [42] against maybe Brock Lesnar, that’s marquee. If something were to happen where this got extended to Vegas in WrestleMania, personally, I have no problem with that. I don’t think it’s a bait-and-switch. I think it’s just an extension on a contract because I have one piece of unfinished business and that is, okay Brock Lesnar or that is, so and so,” Bully Ray opined.
Ray emphasized that Cena’s farewell should occur on the grandest stage, ensuring it is the event’s main attraction and not held in front of a smaller audience. This would highlight Cena’s status as “The Last Real Champion” and honor his career appropriately.
Confirmed Upcoming Match: Cena Set to Face AJ Styles in Perth
One of John Cena’s four remaining WWE appearances will take place at Crown Jewel in Perth, Western Australia. Recently, Cena expressed on Instagram his desire to rekindle his rivalry with AJ Styles before ending his wrestling career. WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H responded promptly, confirming that the two iconic wrestlers will have a final confrontation at Crown Jewel on October 11.
.@JohnCena vs. @AJStylesOrg is a match we all want to see. And at #WWECrownJewel…we will. Saturday, October 11 on @espn & @netflix.
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 23, 2025
Cena and Styles share a rich history, having battled three times between 2016 and 2017. Their match at SummerSlam 2016 earned the distinction of Match of the Year from Pro Wrestling Illustrated, cementing their rivalry as one of the era’s most memorable. This looming bout rekindles that legacy as Cena nears retirement.
Context Around Cena’s Farewell Tour and Its Significance
John Cena’s farewell tour is generating considerable attention amid his departure from WWE. His recent loss to Lesnar and the planned appearances leading up to his exit demonstrate a carefully managed conclusion to a storied career. The possibility of extending his run into 2026 to accommodate a farewell at WrestleMania highlights the desire within WWE to honor Cena with a fitting send-off on the sport’s biggest stage.
Fans and insiders remain anxious about how exactly Cena’s career will end, with many hoping for a climactic conclusion against a formidable opponent like Brock Lesnar. The stakes are high given Cena’s impact on WWE, and the anticipation is palpable surrounding whether his last match will deliver the dramatic impact befitting his legacy.
As WWE gears up for Crown Jewel in Perth and the remainder of Cena’s schedule, the wrestling world will be watching closely. This farewell tour, involving clashes with legends like AJ Styles and possibly Lesnar again, will shape how John Cena is remembered in the annals of WWE history. Whether his final chapter culminates at WrestleMania 42 or extends into 2026, Cena’s last matches promise to captivate fans worldwide.
Interesting thoughts from @bullyray5150 & @davidlagreca1 on John Cena's farewell tour… 👀
Catch the full conversation + #WWERaw recap on today's podcast!
🔗 https://t.co/qLSOZPkwus pic.twitter.com/bKY7x534lH— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) September 23, 2025
.@JohnCena vs. @AJStylesOrg is a match we all want to see. And at #WWECrownJewel…we will.
Saturday, October 11 on @espn & @netflix. https://t.co/PhF5NM6AoC pic.twitter.com/Z7nsRuXwTb
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 23, 2025
