Hours before his scheduled match against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris, John Cena took to Instagram with a post that seemingly confirms the remaining length of his farewell tour. The 17-time world champion posted an image of soccer player Erling Haaland, focusing on his number nine jersey, which has been interpreted as a message to fans that only nine dates are left before his retirement in December 2025.
The post adds another layer of significance to tonight’s match against Logan Paul, which will take place at the Paris La Défense Arena. The bout marks Cena’s in-ring debut in front of a French audience. In a prior statement, Cena mentioned his excitement, noting, “one thing I’ve yet to do is perform before what has been described as the greatest crowd in WWE history.”
Billed as a “generational battle,” the feud between the two ignited on an episode of SmackDown following SummerSlam. The confrontation began when Paul challenged Cena and escalated into a brawl that ended after Paul delivered a low blow, setting the stage for their contest in France.
The matchup highlights a clear contrast in styles and career paths. Cena, who recently lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, has built a legacy on his “hustle, loyalty, respect” mantra and his work with the Make-A-Wish foundation. In contrast, Logan Paul, known as “The Maverick,” has utilized a controversial persona to secure high-profile victories over veterans like AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and Rey Mysterio.
Analysts are divided on the potential outcome. Some believe a win for Cena is the logical conclusion for a star of his caliber on a retirement tour. Others suggest a victory for Paul could be used to build a future storyline between the two before Cena’s career officially concludes at the end of the year.