John Cena is scheduled to compete in his final WWE match at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII on December 13, set to take place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. With the date and venue confirmed, speculation now centers on which opponent will step into the ring with The Franchise Player for this milestone event, as the John Cena final match draws near.
Potential Opponents for Cena’s Last In-Ring Battle
Reports suggest that Gunther may be the wrestler chosen to face John Cena in his farewell WWE bout. Known as The Ring General, Gunther is a decorated multi-time world champion and former leader of Imperium, who notably ended Goldberg’s in-ring career at SNME XL in July. This pairing promises to be an intense showdown given both men’s status and history within WWE.
Alternatively, WWE might introduce a fresh face for Cena’s final adversary by debuting a rising star like Oba Femi on the main roster. Femi recently lost the NXT Championship to Ricky Saints at the NXT No Mercy event. Having achieved almost everything possible within the developmental league, many see Femi, nicknamed “The Ruler,” as primed to become a main event contender.
While Gunther is already firmly established, there is a strong argument that Femi could benefit more from the spotlight provided by facing Cena in his last match. This opportunity would effectively launch Femi into WWE’s upper echelon, a rare title to inherit from someone of Cena’s legendary status. John Cena’s history of elevating younger talent further supports this possibility.
Why Featuring Oba Femi Could Define WWE’s Future
Oba Femi’s power and in-ring skills have marked him as a potential cornerstone of WWE’s future roster. His work in NXT and recent championship pursuits have bolstered WWE fans’ and insiders’ belief that he has “star written all over him.” Introducing Femi as Cena’s final opponent could symbolize a passing of the torch moment, establishing him immediately as a major player.
This move would align with the strategic goals of WWE creative leadership, overseen by Triple H, who may want to accelerate Femi’s rise and capitalize on the momentum generated by Cena’s retirement. It is a chance to create a historic narrative that benefits both superstars: honoring Cena’s legacy while launching a new career trajectory for Femi.
Nevertheless, the official decision remains unconfirmed, and the WWE creative team has yet to reveal concrete plans. Fans must wait to see if the match will become a clash of established veterans with Gunther, or a bold elevation of a promising newcomer like Femi.
John Cena and AJ Styles to Renew Their Rivalry at Crown Jewel 2025
Before Cena’s final WWE match, he is set to revisit his long-standing rivalry with AJ Styles at the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event on October 11, hosted in Perth, Australia. The event will give Styles one last opportunity to square off against Cena in what promises to be a highly anticipated encounter. This confrontation will add a new chapter to the veterans’ history, building excitement among fans eager to witness their final duel on a major stage.
“Clickbait / Misleading” – Unknown
“Factually Incorrect” – Unknown
“Hateful or Abusive” – Unknown
“Baseless Opinion” – Unknown
“Too Many Ads” – Unknown
“Other” – Unknown
“Triple H secretly dislikes these WWE stars? Check Now!”
– Unknown
With John Cena’s retirement match looming at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, the WWE creative team faces pressure to deliver a memorable send-off that reflects Cena’s impact while setting a tone for future stars like Oba Femi or highlighting established champions like Gunther. This match not only closes the chapter on one of wrestling’s most influential careers but may also serve as a pivotal moment for WWE’s upcoming generation.
The last time really is now. @JohnCena’s final match is set for #SNME in Washington, D.C. on December 13. Get your tickets on Oct. 17 because after this…you can’t see him. pic.twitter.com/ZKHNrpDZh6
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 30, 2025
