WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has proposed who he believes should face John Cena in his final match scheduled for December 13 in Washington, DC. The event, Saturday Night’s Main Event, has been confirmed by WWE as Cena’s closing chapter in the ring, sparking debate on the final opponent suitable for the wrestling icon.
Henry argues that Joe Hendry, a former TNA World Champion, deserves to be Cena’s last adversary. Speaking to TMZ, Henry expressed his strong opinion rooted in Cena’s own wrestling history and the legacy he should pass on.
Reasons Behind Choosing Joe Hendry
Mark Henry pointed out that Hendry represents a fresh yet respected talent who has already made waves, especially in the NXT scene. Henry stated,
“In my mind, I want it to be Joe Hendry.”
He acknowledged others suggesting well-known names like Jericho, who might be a free agent at that time, or other Hall of Fame-caliber wrestlers, but stressed the importance of giving back to the industry by elevating a star with a promising future.
Henry highlighted,
“If John Cena wants to give back to the business, you give it to somebody that’s gonna have a career. Just like him, when he came in, and him and Kurt Angle went at it, him having an initial interaction with Kurt Angle is what forced the level of where he was gonna be. You’ve gotta give it back, you’ve gotta give the rub.”
He pointed out Hendry’s early challenge to Cena and noted Hendry’s impressive performances despite lacking victories over wrestling’s most legendary figures. According to Henry, Hendry
“beat Nic Nemeth, and he’s beaten a bunch of people at TNA and several at NXT, but that’s not like beating Triple H, that’s not like beating Shawn Michaels.”
Henry emphasized the significance of the final match’s impact, remarking,

“He’s gotta have something that the world is gonna say, ‘Damn, you beat John Cena on his way out, holy s**t.’”
Joe Hendry’s Rising Profile in WWE
Joe Hendry is anticipated to officially join WWE after his current TNA contract expires later this year. Already appearing regularly on NXT television and live events, Hendry is gaining momentum in the company. Earlier in the year, he participated in the Royal Rumble and faced Randy Orton at WrestleMania, earning recognition among WWE fans.
Potential Impact of This Matchup
If WWE agrees with Mark Henry’s recommendation, John Cena’s final opponent could be a breakthrough moment for Joe Hendry, positioning him as a rising star and giving him the kind of spotlight that can launch a lasting WWE career. The match could bridge Cena’s legacy with the future of the sport, creating a memorable moment for fans and performers alike.
With the December 13 event rapidly approaching in Washington, DC, anticipation is building to see if Mark Henry’s vision for Cena’s farewell ring appearance will come to fruition, adding an unexpected, yet meaningful twist to the farewell tour of one of WWE’s most iconic figures.
