John Cena will compete for the final time in 2025, and AEW’s Tony Chimel hopes to be a part of the huge send-off to the WWE icon. Despite being contracted to AEW, Chimel told Donnie DaSilva and Jimmy Korderas on their HUGE POP! podcast that he would love to play a role in Cena’s goodbye.

“They (AEW) are pretty free with their guys and I’m sure if — you know, I can talk to my bosses over there… I don’t think anyone would have a problem.”

While AEW are “pretty free” when it comes to allowing talent to work elsewhere, putting Chimel back on WWE programming could prove to be an issue. Since launching in 2019, AEW has proven to be WWE’s most fierce rival with both promotions often clasing in head-to-head battles.

Ricky Starks In NXT & Every AEW Name To Sign With WWE

Although WWE and AEW have been at odds, Cena could prove to be a bridge between the two companies. In 2022, AEW allowed several names on its roster to appear on WWE Raw via videos, congratulating Cena on the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut. It’s clear that Tony Khan holds respect for Cena, making Chimel’s potential role with WWE unlikely, but not impossible.

John Cena’s next match will come at Elimination Chamber 2025, where he hopes to win the Men’s Chamber match and earn a WWE Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 41. It remains to be seen if Chimel is allowed to play a part but no matter what, fans can expect a fitting send off for the WWE icon.

Rey Mysterio Would Love A John Cena-Style Retirement Tour

Joe Hendry has set his sights on the biggest match of his career, and John Cena has thrown down the gauntlet. Following his surprise appearance in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble, the TNA World Champion told CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri that Cena has left it up to him to generate the momentum needed to make their match a reality.

“John laid down the challenge and said it’s on me to make it happen, and I accept that challenge,” Hendry said.

“If I can generate enough buzz where the right people want that match to happen, he’ll be there for it. So, it’s very much on me.”

For Hendry, this isn’t just another dream match—it’s personal. He recalled how Cena was the first wrestler he ever spoke to when he was just 15 years old. Now, two decades later, he’s doing everything he can to turn that moment into a full-circle showdown.

Joe Hendry: ‘I Believe I’ll Share The Screen With John Cena & The Rock’

Viral Popularity

Hendry is no stranger to viral marketing and grassroots fan engagement. He has already hinted at “publicity stunts” and has even considered putting up a billboard outside WWE events to keep the hype alive.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything too crazy yet,” Hendry admitted. “But the publicity stunts may get more interesting as it goes on. I might overstep the line, but I’m willing to take that risk because I think it’s the right thing to do.”

If the match happens, it could be one of Cena’s final bouts before retirement. Hendry’s next challenge isn’t just in the ring—it’s making the world believe in him enough to get Cena to say yes.

Watch the full interview with Joe Hendry on CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri: