A prominent wrestler from SmackDown has been proposed as the final opponent to face John Cena before his retirement. With Cena’s farewell tour winding down, fans and insiders speculate on who will have the honor or challenge of closing the chapter on the legendary 17-time WWE World Champion’s career.
John Cena has made it clear that he intends to retire from professional wrestling by the end of 2025. As the year progresses, only a few events remain on his retirement tour, sparking debates over whether his last match should feature a familiar rival or an emerging star in WWE.
Among the voices weighing in is Kelani Jordan, the TNA Knockouts Champion and fiancée of SmackDown star Carmelo Hayes. On Busted Open Radio, Jordan endorsed Hayes as the perfect candidate to secure the victory over Cena in his final match, emphasizing the impact such a win would have on his career.
“So, I’m biased, so of course I’m going to pick Carmelo Hayes. I think he [John Cena] should lose his last match. If he were able to wrestle, say like Melo, he can be able to put him over, and, like, jumpstart his career more than it already is because being able to beat someone like John Cena, your credibility and equitability goes all the way up.”
— Kelani Jordan, TNA Knockouts Champion
Ric Flair’s Guidance for Cena’s Retirement Path
Wrestling icon Ric Flair, who retired in 2008 following a memorable match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24, offered advice to Cena about life after the ring. Flair’s own retirement was complicated by financial struggles, causing him to continue wrestling in other promotions like TNA. In contrast, Cena is financially secure, which, Flair suggests, allows him to step away without needing to return.
During a recent interview, Flair urged Cena to avoid returning to wrestling after retirement, highlighting the addictive nature of the sport and the difficulty of breaking away from it after a long tenure.
“John is making so damn much money in the movies right now. He doesn’t need to do anything else. I hope that he’ll walk away and stay away. Wrestling is very addictive. When you’ve done it as long as John has, over 20 years, it’s hard to change your way of life. I see John periodically, but I can’t say enough nice things about John Cena. He’s a wonderful person, and he is very happily married; his wife is lovely. They’re building a new home here in Tampa.”
— Ric Flair, WWE Legend
Details on John Cena’s Remaining Matches and Upcoming Events
John Cena’s retirement journey includes a pivotal match scheduled for December 13th during the Saturday Night’s Main Event special in Washington, DC, set to close his WWE career. Before then, Cena will compete on October 11th at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, facing off against AJ Styles in a bout that may mark their final encounter.
The Crown Jewel card features notable matches such as:
- Men’s Crown Jewel Championship: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes versus World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins
- Women’s Crown Jewel Championship: WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton against Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer
- John Cena versus AJ Styles
- Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky facing the Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane
Emerging Storylines and Updates in WWE
Several recent updates have stirred interest within WWE and its affiliated brands. There is fresh news regarding Oba Femi’s trajectory, showing plans for his continued development within WWE’s ecosystem. Meanwhile, a wrestling legend expressed disappointment over unfulfilled potential during a four-year run in AEW, signaling tension and reflection on career paths.
Excitement is building around the special referee appointment for an upcoming showdown between WWE NXT and TNA, adding intrigue to an already highly anticipated event. Additionally, Bronson Reed’s contract status has been clarified, confirming his secure and promising position with WWE.
Controversy has also surfaced, as a former WWE champion revealed he was dismissed before receiving a lucrative million-dollar contract, raising questions about WWE’s internal decisions. The rivalry between WWE’s NXT and TNA brands intensifies as accusations of betrayal have emerged against a notable superstar, further complicating the narrative within the wrestling community.
Industry Leaders Reflect on WWE’s Future and Recent Developments
Vince McMahon’s exit from active involvement in wrestling since his resignation from TKO in 2024 has led to speculation about his future plans. Industry insiders generally view it as unlikely that McMahon will initiate a new wrestling promotion given his current stance.
Meanwhile, discussions around Jade Cargill’s recent match performance have created confusion after a WWE Hall of Famer expressed unexpected opinions, sparking debates among fans and experts alike.
The WWE landscape remains dynamic, marked by shifting storylines, contractual drama, and evolving rivalries, as the world watches John Cena’s final chapters unfold alongside emerging talent and the industry’s partisan battles.
