John Cena’s last wrestling match will take place on December 13th, 2025, during Saturday Night’s Main Event, marking his retirement as an active professional wrestler. The focus now is on selecting his final opponent, with Drew McIntyre emerging as a top candidate for this significant role in WWE history, matching the focus keyword “Drew McIntyre final opponent.”
Why Drew McIntyre Deserves to Face John Cena Last
Drew McIntyre’s recent career trajectory supports the argument that he should be the competitor to end John Cena’s in-ring legacy. At Wrestlepalooza, McIntyre challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship but fell short as Rhodes claimed victory. Despite this outcome, many fans and experts believe McIntyre has reached a level in his career that makes him a prime contender for John Cena’s farewell match.
Sam Roberts, speaking on Notsam Wrestling, emphasized McIntyre’s consistent high performance and readiness for championship status. He suggested that if McIntyre is not given the chance to dethrone a champion soon, his opportunity should be to defeat John Cena in Cena’s final bout, elevating McIntyre’s standing as he moves into 2026.
“There is a growing subset of fans that were kind of hoping to see Drew McIntyre win the championship, that are ready to see Drew McIntyre win the championship. For me, Drew has, I mean, his stock doesn’t get touched. The level that he’s at doesn’t get touched because he is so, so very good. But in terms of being like, how do you make him the guy that becomes the champion? I think there’s one thing and one thing only to do, and that’s on December, whenever it is, to give Drew McIntyre John Cena’s last match. If Drew McIntyre can beat John Cena on John Cena’s way out, then Drew McIntyre is immediately the guy, and he goes into 2026 that one level up. He needs to be one level up to be that champion that is now the champion that nobody can beat.”
– Sam Roberts, Wrestling Commentator
McIntyre himself has expressed his ambition to be the one to retire Cena, underscoring the significance the match would hold for his career. Defeating an icon like Cena in his final match would instantly boost McIntyre’s profile and solidify his position as a top-tier WWE star heading into the next year.
Potential Opponents Considered for Cena’s Last Match
Besides Drew McIntyre, other names have been floated as possible final opponents for John Cena, including Brock Lesnar and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Each superstar carries unique credentials and fan interest, making the choice challenging for WWE management.
Brock Lesnar recently made an impressive return, dominating Cena at Wrestlepalooza, which positions him as a formidable challenger. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s legendary status brings a nostalgic appeal that could attract significant viewer engagement. However, neither option offers the same narrative of generational transition that a match with McIntyre would provide, making McIntyre’s candidacy particularly compelling.
Upcoming WWE Developments Relevant to Cena’s Farewell
As Cena prepares for his final match, the WWE landscape is also shifting with key wrestlers making moves and comebacks. Recently, a two-time WWE Champion has hinted at a possible return under certain conditions, fueling speculation about changes in the roster going forward. Additionally, Bryan Danielson—an AEW legend—has transitioned into a new role as a commentator, further illustrating WWE’s evolving scene.
The Wyatt Sicks have announced their focus on familiar opponents in their upcoming WWE Tag Team Title contest, continuing storylines that will carry into 2026. Gunther, who has been absent since WWE SummerSlam 2025, may also face a returning WWE legend soon, which could spark fresh rivalries.
Meanwhile, John Cena’s retirement has stirred activity throughout WWE. For example, 17-time WWE champion other than Cena recently teased retirement plans of their own, signaling potential shifts in the veteran wrestlers’ landscape. Cody Rhodes reacted briefly but pointedly to a major WWE title change, suggesting dynamic storylines for the near future.
The Impact of Naming Drew McIntyre as Cena’s Final Rival
Choosing Drew McIntyre as John Cena’s final opponent would send a powerful message about WWE’s future direction, highlighting McIntyre as the next leading figure to carry on Cena’s legacy. This match could serve as a career-defining moment for McIntyre, catapulting him into the spotlight as a dominant champion worthy of headline status in upcoming events.
Furthermore, this decision would reinforce WWE’s narrative of passing the torch from one generation to the next, creating an emotional and symbolic endpoint to Cena’s incomparable career. Fans would witness the rise of a new marquee superstar as WWE moves beyond 2025 into fresh storylines and rivalries.
With the venue, date, and event set for Cena’s final match, all attention now turns to WWE’s next move in confirming Drew McIntyre as the definitive opponent. This choice could shape the company’s wrestling landscape for years to come, making it a pivotal decision for the organization and its global fanbase.
