WWE

John Cena Final WWE Opponent May Be Surprise Former Champion

Triple H has officially set the date for John Cena’s final WWE match, but the opponent remains undecided, with internal discussions shifting between an established main eventer and a recent NXT Champion.

Leonardo Cunha
John Cena Final WWE Opponent May Be Surprise Former Champion

The culmination of John Cena’s two-decade career is officially set, but the identity of the Superstar standing across from him will define the legacy of his farewell. Triple H announced that Cena’s final WWE match will take place at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII on December 13 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. While fans await the final decision from Triple H and the creative team, the scenario regarding Cena’s opponent remains speculative, with focus shifting between established stars and emerging talent.

A previous report indicated that Gunther was slated to be Cena’s final opponent. Gunther is already established as a major star, a status solidified when he retired Goldberg at SNME XL in July. Consequently, he may not need the spotlight of Cena’s retirement match as much as a debuting rising star, an alternative option Triple H could pursue.

Oba Femi has been discussed as a possible name for this spot. Femi recently lost the NXT Championship to Ricky Saints and may now be utilized for a call-up to the main roster. Many believe he possesses the tools to become a main event player, and this high-profile booking could cement his place in history. Since Cena has supported putting over younger talent in recent years, he would likely favor giving the opportunity to an up-and-coming star such as Femi.

Before his final night in Washington, D.C., Cena’s ongoing retirement tour includes a confirmed bout against AJ Styles at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia. Triple H officially announced the match, which adds another chapter to a rivalry spanning multiple years, one day after Cena teased the encounter online. Addressing the booking in an interview with ABEMA, Styles admitted surprise. “I am certainly happy for the opportunity to wrestle John Cena on his retirement tour. I did not think this was going to happen, it honestly just came out of nowhere, but I accept it, I want it, and me and John are going to have one last match and it’s going to be incredible.”

Despite the anticipation, the pairing has prompted backstage debate regarding the dynamic between two babyfaces. On Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray critiqued the lack of a traditional face-heel element and argued that a mid-match heel turn from Styles would provide necessary intrigue.