WWE is facing a critical decision regarding the John Cena retirement match as the 17-time World Champion approaches the end of his in-ring career. Scheduled to wrestle his final match on December 13 during Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cena’s farewell tour still has five stops left, presenting a rare opportunity for the promotion to create a historic moment.
Among several contenders considered to face Cena in his last bout, including Brock Lesnar, Dominik Mysterio, and Drew McIntyre, wrestling analyst Sam Roberts has emphasized why Gunther should be the one to retire Cena. This idea holds significance for WWE’s long-term storytelling and star-building strategy.
Strategic Opportunity with Gunther Closing Chapter for Two Legends
Sam Roberts pointed out the uniqueness of the moment, highlighting that WWE could capitalize on having a single talent retire both Goldberg and John Cena within the same year. Roberts said,
“You have the opportunity to have one guy retire Goldberg and John Cena in the same year. You’ll never have an opportunity like that again. That’s once in a lifetime. So, if Gunther is back from injury, that would be a good thing to do. It also gives you the opportunity to go to Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar.”
This scenario not only adds prestige to Gunther but also sets up a compelling future rivalry for WWE fans.
John Cena’s Upcoming Appearance at WWE Crown Jewel in Australia
John Cena has been absent from WWE programming since his swift defeat by Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza earlier this year. Now 48 years old, Cena is set to make a highly anticipated return at the WWE Crown Jewel event on October 11, which will be held in Perth, Australia—marking the first time Crown Jewel takes place outside Saudi Arabia.
At this event, Cena will face off against AJ Styles, who has shared a long-standing personal and professional rivalry with him dating back to the mid-2010s. This rivalry includes the period when Cena earned his then-record-equalling status as a 16-time World Champion. WWE initially considered featuring Styles on Cena’s retirement tour, but those plans fell through. Recently, Cena took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge Triple H to heed fan demand and book the match for Crown Jewel.
Aside from Cena’s match, Crown Jewel will showcase intense battles between the current RAW and SmackDown men’s and women’s champions for a new Crown Jewel Championship. Additionally, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky are scheduled to challenge the Kabuki Warriors in a tag team encounter, spotlighting key rivalries in WWE’s women’s division.
Notable Injuries Affecting WWE Roster Availability
Injuries continue to impact WWE rosters significantly, with recent news revealing that a WWE star sustained a foot injury during a TNA appearance, causing their match to be canceled. This injury is expected to keep the performer sidelined for over six months, adding urgency to WWE’s scheduling and storyline adjustments.
Veterans Reflect on Longevity and Career Milestones
Chris Jericho celebrated 35 years since his in-ring debut, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination within the wrestling world. His defiant outlook serves as inspiration for current and future superstars navigating the highly competitive environment of WWE and beyond.
Similarly, a wrestling legend recently expressed disappointment over unfulfilled opportunities during a four-year run in AEW, underscoring the challenges veterans face in adapting to new promotions and roles.
Emerging Partnerships and Future Prospects in WWE
On the developmental front, Tiffany Stratton is forging a new tag team alliance with a surprising WWE Raw superstar to tackle opposition on SmackDown. Such collaborations hint at WWE’s broader plans to build fresh storylines and establish new stars amid veteran retirements.
Elsewhere, reports on Oba Femi’s next steps within WWE have surfaced, fueling speculation about the promotion’s evolving focus on rising talent and the strategic positioning of newer wrestlers for upcoming events.
Controversies and Unseen Challenges Among WWE Talent
Brock Lesnar finds himself at the center of shocking accusations made public by an ex-WWE star, illustrating the complex and often contentious relationships behind WWE’s glitz and glamour. The varied experiences of superstars working alongside Lesnar reflect the high-pressure environment that defines the industry.
Significance of the John Cena Retirement Match and WWE’s Future Direction
The John Cena retirement match carries immense weight as it signifies the conclusion of an era for one of WWE’s most iconic figures. Allowing Gunther—a rising star recovering from injury—to retire Cena could bolster his status, creating a symbolic passing of the torch that energizes the roster and fanbase alike.
Moreover, leveraging this moment alongside retiring Goldberg in the same year presents a once-in-a-lifetime storytelling hook that WWE seems primed to seize. As the promotion charts its path forward, balancing nostalgia with innovation will be essential to maintaining relevance and audience engagement.
As December approaches and Cena’s final matches unfold, WWE is pressured to make choices that reflect both respect for their legends and ambition for future success. The decisions made now will likely influence the company’s narrative landscape and star power for years to come.
