John Cena’s WWE retirement opponent remains uncertain as his farewell tour approaches its conclusion, with a key former star confirming he will not be Cena’s final challenger. After competing against Brock Lesnar at the Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event, Cena has only five matches left before his last scheduled bout on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington D.C. Despite speculation, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has ruled himself out as Cena’s final opponent, ending hopes of a historic rematch.
Kurt Angle Reflects on Cena’s Remarkable Career
Many fans had anticipated a potential showdown between John Cena and Kurt Angle, given their special history. Angle was Cena’s WWE debut opponent on the June 27, 2002 episode of SmackDown, marking a significant milestone for both performers. Although Angle retired from in-ring action in 2019, his prominence and connection to Cena kept talks alive about a possible retirement match featuring the two legends.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Angle praised Cena’s contributions to professional wrestling, calling him “the greatest of all time.” He emphasized Cena’s longevity and ability to avoid injury as key factors in his unparalleled career success. Angle contrasted Cena’s durability with other top stars like The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels, who all faced extended absences due to injuries during their careers.
Angle said:
“I consider John the greatest of all time. You know, what he’s done for wrestling as a pioneer, as a spokesperson, as a champion, 17 world heavyweight titles, no one’s ever done that.
“John has the ability to stay healthy and never get injured, so his elongated career has made him the best in the business. You know you look at Undertaker, Undertaker’s been hurt many times and had to back out for a while. I’ve been hurt had to back out for a while. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s been hurt, had to back out for a while. Shawn Michaels, his back was injured, he had to go for a while. So John’s been able to keep his career going and no one’s had that kind of endurance. So I think that’s what makes John special.
“But not only that you think about all the Make-A-Wish kids that he met, he was just such a pioneer for wrestling. So I believe John is just the greatest of all time and to be affiliated with him, I know I was his first match and that was really cool.”
Kurt Angle Declares Himself Unavailable for Cena’s Final Match
Despite his admiration for Cena, Angle confirmed he will not participate in Cena’s retirement match due to current physical limitations. He expressed regret over missing the opportunity but was clear that stepping back into the ring at this time is impossible.
I wouldn’t have minded being John Cena’s last match – but there’s no way in hell I can get in that ring right now, so it’s not gonna happen. But it would have been pretty cool.
— Kurt Angle, WWE Hall of Famer
This statement firmly closes the door on any hopes of a final encounter between the two, though Angle’s respect for Cena remains undisputed. The two have a longstanding relationship, with Cena inducting Angle into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017. That same year marked their last in-ring appearance together during the Raw vs. SmackDown 10-person tag team match at WWE Survivor Series, where they faced each other from opposing teams.
What’s Next for Cena’s Retirement Match?
With Kurt Angle confirmed absent from the list of potential opponents, speculation continues about who will face John Cena in his farewell bout. Cena, the 17-time world heavyweight champion, has made a significant impact on WWE’s history as a transformative figure both inside and outside the ring. Fans await the announcement of an opponent who can match Cena’s star power and provide a fitting end to his legendary career.
Cena’s final match on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington D.C. will be a monumental event, drawing attention throughout the wrestling world. Selecting a worthy opponent will be critical to delivering an unforgettable send-off to one of WWE’s most iconic performers.
Legacy of Cena and Angle Beyond the Ring
John Cena’s ability to remain healthy and active for more than two decades is a testament to his professionalism and dedication, setting him apart from many other wrestling icons. Kurt Angle also praised Cena’s humanitarian efforts, highlighting the champion’s extensive work with Make-A-Wish Foundation children, further cementing his status as a role model and ambassador for wrestling.
Angle’s recognition of Cena’s positive influence on and off the screen underscores why Cena is considered a pioneer and the “greatest of all time” by fellow wrestling legends. The mutual respect between these two athletes is a defining narrative in WWE’s modern history.
"I know I was his first match…I wouldn't have minded being John Cena's last match."@RealKurtAngle on 'the greatest of all time' career of @JohnCena #OfftheRopes | Weekdays from 2-4pm ET on SiriusXM Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 Ch. 156 pic.twitter.com/ZhUgUVSNec
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) September 22, 2025
