John Cena, the 17-time world champion and leader of the Cenation, is preparing to face AJ Styles as part of his retirement tour at the upcoming Crown Jewel event in Perth, Australia. As Cena nears the final phase of his career, speculation intensifies over who will challenge him in his remaining five WWE appearances following this high-profile match against Styles.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour and Upcoming Clash With AJ Styles
Since beginning his retirement journey in January, John Cena has been engaging in matches with notable rivals such as Randy Orton, CM Punk, and Brock Lesnar. The 48-year-old superstar briefly held the Undisputed WWE Championship before relinquishing it to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. Recently, Cena insisted through social media that WWE Executive Triple H arrange a match with AJ Styles, who accepted, setting the stage for their confrontation next month at Crown Jewel.
Expert Insights on Cena’s Possible Opponents After Crown Jewel
On a recent episode of the Notsam Wrestling podcast on SiriusXM Pro Wrestling Nation, WWE analyst Sam Roberts discussed potential opponents for Cena after his match with AJ Styles. Roberts explained that with only five matches remaining, WWE might book opponents purely based on fan demand, foregoing elaborate storylines to deliver high-profile contests.
“There is a world where they go, ‘You know what? With five matches left, we’re just gonna give the fans five John Cena matches that they wanna see.’ And nobody’s gonna complain about that. Nobody’s gonna be upset about that. It may be the safest route to go. And you can, I mean, five opponents I could think of right now. You could probably go AJ Styles. I think Dominik Mysterio’s on that list. I think Drew McIntyre’s on that list. You could put Bron Breakker on that list. I mean, Roman Reigns would be huge. Seth Rollins would be huge. There are plenty of guys you could do.” Sam Roberts, WWE Analyst
Roberts identified five potential challengers who could headline Cena’s farewell series after AJ Styles: Dominik Mysterio, Drew McIntyre, Bron Breakker, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins. These names reflect a mix of established stars and rising talent, balancing familiarity with fresh competition for Cena’s final WWE run.
The Context of Cena’s Final Matches and WWE’s Booking Strategy
John Cena’s retirement tour marks a significant moment for WWE, as the company prepares to honor a storied career while transitioning popularity to new and emerging wrestlers. Booking five matches rooted in fan interest rather than ongoing stories aligns with the goal of sending Cena out on a triumphant note, featuring top-tier competitors and memorable bouts. This approach also underlines WWE’s flexibility in blending nostalgia with contemporary star power.
The confirmed bout against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel in Perth will likely serve as the centerpiece of this closing chapter, showcasing two wrestling legends with extensive histories and fan followings. The announced match follows Cena’s public call-out to Triple H and Styles’ affirmative response, underscoring the collaborative effort between the athletes and WWE management to maximize the impact of Cena’s final appearances.
Potential Impact of Cena’s Remaining WWE Appearances
Cena’s final matches hold considerable significance for WWE’s summer and autumn schedules, potentially boosting viewership and event attendance. Facing opponents such as Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins could generate major buzz given their current standings within the company, while including talents like Bron Breakker and Dominik Mysterio offers opportunities to elevate newer stars through encounters with a veteran. Cena’s farewell run thus represents both a celebration of his legacy and a strategic platform to spotlight the next generation of WWE talent.
The company’s ability to book these matches without intensive storylines may also reflect a calculated decision to focus on in-ring performance and crowd engagement, which are crucial elements during a retirement tour. Fans can expect meaningful, competitive bouts as WWE honors Cena’s commitment and enduring popularity.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next For John Cena and WWE
Following the Crown Jewel event, WWE fans will closely watch the announcement of Cena’s subsequent opponents and how these matches unfold. Sam Roberts’ analysis suggests that WWE is leaning toward matchups designed to please audiences and heighten excitement. Whether any surprise opponents emerge or additional storyline components develop remains to be seen, but the path appears geared toward offering a memorable farewell to one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.
As the retirement tour advances, Cena’s remaining appearances will become defining moments not only for his personal legacy but also for WWE’s ongoing evolution. These final clashes—scheduled with star power and fan appeal in mind—will likely shape the company’s narrative as it builds toward future talent and shows the respect owed to a veteran closing his era in the squared circle.
