John Cena stays focus on business while navigating his retirement tour ahead of his final appearance in December.
John Cena Is 'Cool' with WWE's Choice for His Final Opponent originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
John Cena has addressed yet another question about the final chapter of his two-decade-plus WWE career, and who will be his final opponent in particular.
Cena, as it's been the case during other recent public appearances, has made clear he will not choose the opponent for his final WWE match, instead leaving the decision entirely to the promotion's creative team.
Appearing on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," the 48-year-old detailed his approach to the final stop of his retirement tour, scheduled for December in his hometown of Boston.
“No, no. I’ve never operated like that,” Cena said about whether or not he had someone in mind to face one last time before calling it quits.
John Cena says that he’s cool with whoever WWE deems appropriate for his final opponent in December.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) August 14, 2025
(via @FallonTonight) pic.twitter.com/ldGMKK6s9d
“I’ve just always kind of been reliable, showing up, and doing whatever I’m asked," Cena said. "I want this tour 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.”
John Cena Wants to Step Aside for the Next Generation of WWE Stars
Cena announced last year that 2025 would be his final year as an active competitor. He has 11 appearances left before retiring in late December.
The 17-time world champion is currently booked to face Logan Paul at Clash in Paris on August 31, with another appearance scheduled for two days earlier in Lyon, also in France.
WWE reportedly planning Brock Lesnar vs John Cena as the main event of the unannounced Sept 20 PLE, on the same day as AEW All Out:
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) August 12, 2025
"It can change, but the main event for this show is Brock Lesnar and John Cena. So it's a big one. Which is why Brock's not in Paris, is because of… pic.twitter.com/El31UgfTE7
According to Dave Meltzer, Cena will also have a Sept. 20 premium live event match against Brock Lesnar in a bout that will headline a show running head-to-head with AEW’s All Out event.
In explaining his decision to retire to Fallon, Cena cited the physical demands of wrestling and his desire to make room for younger stars.
"My body is screaming at me to close the chapter," Cena said. "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."
John Cena's Unfinished Business
Cena’s comments could be understood as the veteran wrestler's call to the WWE to use his final match to elevate a young-but-current full-time performer.
For now, however, the opposite is what has been rumored to be on WWE's plans for Cena's retirement.
A report from WRKD Wrestling claimed that Gunther, who already retired Goldberg in July, is the planned opponent for Cena's last match in a supposed move by the WWE to boost the reigning World Heavyweight Champion's career.
“Goldberg isn’t the last person that Gunther hopes to retire,” the report said. “Gunther is currently planned as John Cena’s final opponent."
Related: Dave Meltzer Reveals Rumored WWE Strategy to Take Down AEW
Related: John Cena Addresses Speculation On His Final WWE Opponent
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
