John Cena named five “wrestling soulmates,” quickly adding another name to the list of his greatest rivals.
John Cena Names Five Favorite WWE Opponents, Quickly Adds Sixth Name originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
John Cena has revealed a very select group of opponents he considers his “wrestling soulmates,” a term he used to describe the WWE rivals with whom he has had the best chemistry during his 23-year career with the promotion.
Speaking at Boston Fan Expo, via the Boston Herald, the 48-year-old listed Randy Orton, Edge, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles — before quickly adding reigning WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to the ultimate six-man group.
“I have a few wrestling soulmates,” said Cena. “Those are Randy Orton, Edge, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles. But gosh, I can’t take any shine away from Cody Rhodes—add him, too.”
John Cena has revealed his all-time favorite opponents.
— Boston Herald (@bostonherald) August 11, 2025
“I have a few wrestling soulmates,” said Cena. “Those are Randy Orton, Edge, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles. But gosh, I can’t take any shine away from Cody Rhodes – add him, too.” https://t.co/Mp4pLeS9bJ
Outside of Rhodes, the other five wrestlers named by Cena are all established figures from different points in Cena’s career.
He has faced Orton more than any other opponent, feuded with Edge in an era-defining series, battled CM Punk in some of the most celebrated matches of the 2010s, clashed with Rollins in a few title bouts, and tested himself against Styles in fan-favorite encounters in a two-year feud.
Cody Rhodes Joins Legendary List Of John Cena Rivals
Cena’s inclusion of Rhodes reflects the significance of their rivalry in his final year in WWE, following the latter's return to WWE in 2022 and sudden rise through the ladder all the way up to conquering the promo.
After an initial amicable relationship between the two wrestlers, things took an unexpected turn earlier this year, pitting them against each other.
The two split a pair of high-profile matches, with Cena defeating Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41, and Rhodes regaining the title in a brutal Street Fight to close out SummerSlam at the start of August.
Retirement Tour Nears Final Stretch
Cena is entering the home stretch of his farewell tour, with his retirement scheduled for December. According to WWE's plans, Cena will be part of a final match expected to take place in Boston on an unannounced episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
In his most immediate future, Cena will face Logan Paul later this month at WWE’s Clash in Paris and could still square off with Rollins or Styles before the end of his career, depending on WWE's booking.
Cena, for one, made clear that he won't be the one choosing who to face in his final in-ring appearance next December.
“I’ve never once chosen my opponent,” Cena said. “Whoever challenges me for that last match, I’m going to give it my best shot.”
Related: Cody Rhodes Names WWE's Future Stars Without Hesitation
Related: John Cena Reunites With Former Rival in Surprise WWE SmackDown Moment
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
