4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
John Cena keeps fans guessing about last WWE match opponent
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John Cena, the 17-time World Champion, is set to retire at the end of 2025, bringing an end to one of WWE 's most iconic careers. As part of his farewell tour, Cena has appeared at nearly every Premium Live Event (PLE) this year, rekindling rivalries with some of his greatest foes, including Randy Orton and CM most notable recent bout came at SummerSlam 2025, where he lost the WWE Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes. While his final match is still some time away, speculation is growing over who will have the honor - and challenge - of being Cena's last opponent in who has competed 10 times in 2025 as part of his WWE retirement tour, is gearing up for another high-profile showdown. He is scheduled to face Logan Paul at WWE Clash in Paris on August 31, adding another marquee bout to his farewell to reports, Cena is also expected to meet Brock Lesnar later this year, though the date has yet to be confirmed. In addition, strong rumors point toward a potential Cena vs Gunther clash as his final WWE match, a showdown that could serve as a fitting conclusion to his storied in-ring has chosen not to name a preferred opponent for his final WWE match, set for December, during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday. When Fallon asked if he had anyone in mind for the bout, Cena made it clear he's content to follow WWE's direction for the conclusion of his 17-time World Champion said he's open to facing whomever the company believes is the right choice, leaving fans to continue speculating about who will share the ring with him in his farewell match."No, no, I've never operated like that," Cena said. "It's weird because I've always just been that guy. ... I've just always kind of been reliable and showing up and doing whatever I'm asked. And I really want this tour to be not only special - it'll always be special to me because you guys are out there - I want it to be special for the business. My goal has always been to leave WWE better than I found it, so whoever they deem appropriate to get that energy, man, I'm cool with that."When Fallon further asked Cena if he wished he had 'more time' in his wrestling career, Cena admitted that he did, but also recognised that the moment is right for him to step away."Of course, every part of me," Cena said. "Yeah, absolutely. My body is screaming at me to close the chapter. I'm 48 man, I'll be 49 next year. I'm very grateful to say that WWE has given me almost 25 years to go out and do my thing and be invisible, and it's been fantastic. But I also remember when I was a young kid back in 2002 thinking I'd never get a chance. And then when I did, I came up with a young, hungry class. And I think if I hang around any longer than now, I'm just taking time away from those young guys who could be the next chance to make an impact on something. It's time, man. It's time."
