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.
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.
John Cena has made it clear that he wants to win one last WWE Championship before retiring in 2025. While Cena hopes that a win in the upcoming Elimination Chamber match will take him one step closer to that elusive 17th World Title reign, The Undertaker believes that’s not the right move.
Why The Undertaker Doesn’t Want Cena to Win a Championship
During his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker was asked if he hopes Cena achieves his goal of winning a world title in his retirement year. Though countless fans believe the record-breaking reign would be a fitting end for Cena, The Undertaker kept his response blunt. :
“I hope not. I know that sounds bad… You’ve already showed that you’d rather be in Hollywood instead of here… He needs to put other people over at this point.”
The Undertaker’s comments come at an interesting time, as Cena has yet to win a singles match since 2018 and has been putting others ‘over’ ever since. Later in the show, the Deadman clarified that while John should have huge moments on his farewell tour, taking a title reign from somebody else shouldn’t be among them.
“He needs to get some key wins, but in the big matches, he probably should pass the baton on.”
Undertaker’s stance aligns with WWE’s long-standing tradition of veteran stars helping establish younger talent on their way out. Interestingly though, The Undertaker’s own final match, the much-acclaimed Boneyard Match with AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36, saw the Phenom get the win.
Cena’s Legacy and WWE’s Changing Landscape
Cena’s contributions to WWE are undeniable, but The Undertaker believes the focus should remain on the full-time performers who carry the company forward. Speaking as WWE as a whole, the Deadman was pleased to see how things have changed under the guidance of former in-ring rival Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.
“He’s doing amazing… It’s crazy for me—Monday night used to be chaos, now everyone is so chill backstage.”
Cena and Levesque will work closely to craft a final year fitting for WWE’s Greatest of All Time. However, if The Undertaker has his way, Cena’s story won’t end with another championship reign, but rather with him paving the way for the next generation.
As John Cena embarks on his highly anticipated farewell tour in 2025, the WWE Universe reflects on the legacy of the 16-time world champion. Cena’s decision to dedicate an entire year to saying goodbye marks a departure from traditional wrestling retirements, and few are as qualified to weigh in as The Undertaker. On episode 49 of his Six Feet Under podcast, the Deadman shared his thoughts on Cena’s farewell and its broader implications for the wrestling industry.
“It’s a cool way for someone who meant so much to the business to go out. Fans get to give him his flowers, and he gets to say goodbye the right way.”
Cena’s farewell tour, which includes approximately 36 appearances across WWE events, is already drawing massive interest, with ticket sales spiking after his announcement that he’ll be participating in the 2025 Royal Rumble.
A Farewell Unlike Any Other
Undertaker praised Cena’s work ethic and impact on WWE, calling him a “workhorse” and acknowledging the thoughtfulness of his farewell. “Cena was a huge star for years. It’s really cool the way they’ve planned this out,” he said. Cena’s farewell contrasts sharply with retirements of the past, including those of Ric Flair and The Undertaker himself.
“For me, I couldn’t have done a farewell tour with my character. It wouldn’t have made sense for me to be hugging fans and saying goodbye. That wasn’t The Undertaker.”
His farewell came through a series of sporadic appearances, culminating in a cinematic match at WrestleMania 36 and a final goodbye at Survivor Series 2020.
The Undertaker and John Cena in 2002 and 2018
The Future of Wrestling Retirements
Cena’s farewell might signal a shift in how wrestling retirements are approached, especially for top-tier stars. Undertaker believes this approach could become the new standard.
“I think this is the way of the future for wrestling retirements,” he said. “The less you see of my generation, the better—it’s time for new stars to shine.”
Cena’s tour exemplifies a blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking. By clearing his Hollywood schedule for the year, he’s giving fans one last chance to see him in action while helping WWE transition focus to its next generation of stars.
A Symbol of Gratitude
For WWE fans, Cena’s farewell tour is more than just a series of matches—it’s a chance to celebrate a career that defined an era. As The Undertaker pointed out, it’s a rare opportunity for a performer to leave on their own terms while giving back to the audience that made it all possible.
“It’s time for John to take his bow,” Undertaker concluded. “And he’s doing it in a way that honors the business and his fans.”
John Cena kicked off his farewell tour during the historic WWE Raw on Netflix, during which he declared himself for the Men’s Royal Rumble match. At the post-show press conference, the 16-time WWE World Champion shared his intentions for his final year in the ring to be a celebration of all facets of his wrestling journey.
“Hopefully, by the end of all this, if you want to see a certain facet of the 23 years I’ve been in the business, hopefully you can get that little sprinkle.”
Over the years, Cena has embodied numerous personas, beginning as ‘The Prototype’ in OVW before making his main roster debut on SmackDown in June 2002. After a rocky start as a generic babyface, he found his footing as the brash Doctor of Thuganomics, eventually evolving his character into the multifaceted performer fans know today.
When asked if his role as Peacemaker might make a surprise appearance during his farewell tour, Cena acknowledged the character is owned by DC Comics but added, “never say never.”
While John’s days in the ring are numbered, the WWE icon remains fiercely loyal to the promotion that thrust him to superstardom. On the press conference, Cena made clear that his ‘farewell’ to the ring will not be a goodbye to WWE.
“I’m going to retire, but they will have to fire to get me to stop being a part of this place.”
John Cena is slated to participate in major WWE events throughout 2025, including the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41, before officially retiring from in-ring competition. Fans can look forward to an emotional year ahead as one of WWE’s greatest icons bids farewell to the squared circle.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour: Stars Vying to be a Final Opponent
As John Cena embarks on his farewell tour in 2025, several WWE superstars have expressed interest in facing him for a memorable final encounter. Here are some wrestlers who have shared their desire to step into the ring with Cena before the WWE icon calls it a career.
CM Punk: CM Punk has expressed a strong desire to face John Cena once more before Cena’s retirement. Following the Money in the Bank 2024 event, Punk highlighted their intertwined careers and vowed that “we gotta do it at least one more time.”.
Kevin Owens: Kevin Owens hopes to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of his first match against Cena by facing him on May 31, 2025, during John’s farewell tour. Owens’ feud with Cena in 2015 did huge things for the then-NXT Champion who’s gone on to be a top name on the main roster.
Bron Breakker: Bron Breakker has boldly challenged John Cena to a match for the Intercontinental Championship—the only title Cena has never won. Speaking to SESCoops‘ MuscleManMalcom, Breakker urged Cena to “grow some balls” and face him for the coveted belt during the farewell tour.
Randy Orton: Randy Orton, arguably Cena’s greatest rival is a favored choice among fans for a farewell match. Speaking to the Daily Mail last August, Orton hopes that if fans want to see him face Cena one more time, WWE’s creative team, led by Triple H, will make it happen.
Logan Paul: Logan Paul personally pitched a WrestleMania 41 match with John Cena. However, reports indicate that this match is “100 percent not happening,” and current discussions are focusing on other potential opponents for Cena.
Bronson Reed: Though currently out with an injury, Bronson Reed has taken to X to put himself forward as an opponent. The Australian Superstar even claimed that John can’t truly call himself the ‘GOAT’ until he’s survived Reed’s Tsunami finisher.
The Miz: 14 years after his unlikely win over John Cena at WrestleMania 27, The Miz hopes to get one more moment with Cena before his farewell. Cena’s most recent match for WWE saw him team with Miz and R-Truth on the post–WrestleMania 40 Raw.
John Cena’s Farewell: What Does It Mean?
Cena made his retirement plans public during a surprise appearance at WWE’s Money in the Bank event on July 6, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Leading up to his retirement, Cena plans to participate in several key WWE events including next month’s Royal Rumble, March’s Elimination Chamber, and WWE WrestleMania 41.
In total, he intends to perform in approximately 30 to 40 events throughout 2025 as part of his farewell tour. Fans have been excited at the possible matches Cena may have, and the possibility that he could become a 17-time World Champion and break Ric Flair’s record.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on John Cena as there’s no shortage of Superstars eager to share the ring with the WWE icon one final time.
John Cena’s retirement tour is set to begin in just a few days, with several dates already confirmed and culminating in December 2025. The WWE icon will begin his farewell duringWWE Raw’s debut on Netflix, with fans excited to see what the 16-time World Champion has in store.
Few opponents are as closely associated with Cena as Cope (formerly Adam Copeland/Edge), who shared countless battles with him during their storied WWE careers. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Cope shared his reflections on Cena’s retirement.
“He’s an intelligent man, so, I’m sure he has already come to terms, and I think he’s been coming to terms with it for a long time.”
While Cena may have accepted his retirement, Cope believes it will be far more difficult for fans to do the same.
“I think it’ll be harder for the fan base to come to terms, which usually ends up being the case.”
2025 is set to be a landmark year for WWE, with major events such as WrestleMania 41 and Raw’s highly anticipated move to Netflix. Adding to the excitement, next year will mark the end of John Cena’s legendary in-ring career, with his farewell tour extending far beyond the United States.
During a recent appearance on the Sports Business Journal Sports Media podcast, WWE EVP Chris Legentil revealed that Cena’s farewell tour will have a global reach.
“He’s gonna do a full year-long tour with us. And that’s gonna be worldwide… the opportunity for the people to see John Cena one last time all around the world is going to be quite powerful.”
Cena is already confirmed for WWE Elimination Chamber, set to take place on Saturday, March 1, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. While no other international Premium Live Events (PLEs) for 2025 have been officially announced, a substantial global tour during WrestleMania season has been confirmed.
No specific matches for Cena’s farewell tour have been announced yet, but the WWE locker room is buzzing with anticipation. Former rivals like Randy Orton and The Miz have expressed their eagerness to face Cena one last time. Meanwhile, reigning Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker has also thrown his hat in the ring, as a match with Cena could serve as an opportunity for the WWE legend to achieve the coveted Grand Slam.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on John Cena’s farewell tour, which promises to take the WWE icon and Hollywood star across the globe for his final in-ring appearances.
Grayson Waller (still) wants a piece of John Cena. The Aussie Superstar doesn’t need a big stage, he just wants to slap Cena silly before it’s too late.
“I want to slap John in the face like I’ve been wanting it for so long. I’m going to get it, John, he said on UpUpDownDown. “I’m going to keep saying mean things until you say yes.”
Wrestlers who have called out John Cena wanting to be one of his final opponents include The Miz. Bron Breakker, Randy Orton, Matt Cardona and Carmelo Hayes.
Cena’s 2025 WWE retirement tour kicks off January 6 when WWE Raw premieres on Netflix.
“He said 40 shows like come on, give me Poughkeepsie or something,” said Waller. “You don’t have to give one of the big towns. I’m fine with that.”
Waller currently wrestles on the SmackDown brand as part of the A-Town Down Under tag team with Austin Theory. He also hosts a talk show segment called “The Grayson Waller Effect.”
In January 2025, John Cena will be a part of WWE Raw’s move to Netflix and kick off his in-ring retirement tour. The WWE icon will make appearances at the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania 41, and SummerSlam, and is expected to face some of the very top names currently on the promotion’s roster.
One name fans could see sharing the ring with Big Match John is Logan Paul. Wrestle Votes Radio reports that there has been discussions about a match within WWE between the two. WWE’s creative team, led by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, is said to be high on the potential big-money match and both Cena and Paul have shown interest in working with each other.
This isn’t the first time that the idea of John Cena Vs. Logan Paul has come up. In November 2022, Paul told listeners of his ImPaulsive podcast that he wanted a match with the WWE icon at the following year’s WrestleMania 39.
“I think me vs. John Cena would break the internet. I texted Triple H right away, ‘do you want to break the internet again?’ That’s a dream matchup.”
Instead, Cena faced then-U.S. Champion Austin Theory during the opener of Night One. Paul’s match would fall on his birthday and see The Maverick lost to Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour
As one of the biggest names in wrestling history, it’s hardly a surprise that several wrestlers have put themselves forward for Cena’s farewell tour. CM Punk hopes to team with John before the latter calls it a career while The Miz is hoping to get one last match with Cena after previously headlining WrestleMania 27 in 2011.
Whatever WWE has planned, fans can expect quite the sendoff for one of the most significant wrestlers to ever step foot in the ring. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on John Cena and his final year in the ring.
John Cena’s days as a WWE Superstar may be coming to an end, but the wrestling icon will remain with the company for a long time to come. Speaking with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, Cena shared that he will remain with WWE after next year’s retirement.
“I have such a trustworthy relationship with them [WWE] over two decades. I am a champion of the brand. I love the company. It is my home. They are my family. Even after 2025, I’ve already signed an extension to remain a member of the WWE family for the near, mid, and long-term future. I don’t think there will be a beat of my heart where WWE blood doesn’t come out of it.”
2025 will mark the end of John Cena’s in-ring career, as the legend shared at WWE Money in the Bank 2024 in Toronto, Canada. The 16-time WWE World Champion will make approximately 30-40 dates and will be at significant PLEs including Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41. Several wrestlers have put themselves forward as potential opponents including The Miz, Bron Breakker, Randy Orton, Rob Van Dam, Matt Cardona, and TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry.
Cena’s contract extension is certainly good news for those at WWE, as the Hollywood A-Lister has always been willing to speak highly of the company outside of the ring. Not only that, but Cena continues to be a top merchandise seller, earning WWE a tidy profit from dedicated fans. Earlier this month, Cena said he intends to be an ‘ambassador’ for WWE after his career in the ring comes to an end.
Randy Orton would love to step in the ring with John Cena one final time before the 16-time WWE World Champion hangs up his jorts for good. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Orton addressed whether he will be part of Cena’s retirement tour.
“I have spoken with him… I would love to wrestle John. But as far as pushing for that match, that’s never been my style.”
Pushing for the match isn’t Orton’s ‘style’ but will come down to Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque and his creative team. Fortunately for Orton, having the Game in charge bodes well.
“He [Triple H] is listening to the crowd. He knows where everything needs to end up… And if the fans want John Cena and Randy Orton to face each other at some point, maybe even at Wrestlemania, then this is their last chance.”
Orton encouraged fans who want the match to happen to let their voices be heard on social media and at WWE events. Orton ended by reiterating that if fans really want one final showdown between himself and Cena, then he is confident it’ll happen.
John Cena Vs. Randy Orton
John Cena Vs. Randy Orton was a feud that defined an era in WWE, with both men often competing in pay-per-view main events with World Championships on the line. The pair’s first encounter would come in developmental in July 2001, a year before either man would be on the main roster. That OVW show saw Cena (then Prototype) and Rico Constantino defeat Orton & Bobby Eaton, though Orton got the win in their first singles match the next month.
Cena and Orton last shared the ring in singles action on the July 2, 2017 edition of SmackDown in a match that Cena would win. With Hell in a Cell, Iron Man, and Street Fights in their past, fans are eager to see what the pair would do in their final encounter.
John Cena’s newest movie, Jackpot!, has been released and is now streaming on Prime Video. This marks the second project Cena has been involved in this year regarding the streaming service.
Here is a quick summary of the film provided by Amazon Prime Video.
“In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket,” said the streaming service.
The unfortunate hunt of Awkwafina’s character leads to Cena as Noel Cassidy coming to her aid to protect her. Both must work together to survive until sundown to take home her prize. In addition, Marvel’s Shang Chi actor Simu Liu plays Louis Lewis, a rival to Cassidy who wants to murder Kim to take her earnings.
Jackpot! is directed by Paul Feig and written by Rob Yescombe. Feig is known for his directorial work on Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters (a 2016 film), and A Simple Favor.
Cena has been making the media rounds to get fans excited about his new Amazon project. He’s also getting the wrestling community anxious about his return to WWE for his retirement tour next year.
Despite the final year of his wrestling career approaching, the wrestler-turned-actor is having a successful transition to Hollywood and will be a WWE Ambassador in 2026. The future for Cena is very bright as he closes a chapter in his life.
I’ll react to Cena’s latest film in the coming days, so check back to SEScoops for an exclusive review.
WWE icon and Hollywood box office heavyweight John Cena has plans for his career after he officially retires from WWE active competition in December 2025. Cena has wrestled for WWE since his debut in 2002 in a match against Kurt Angle. While he still looks in great shape and has competed sporadically for the company in recent years, he does not want fans thinking he’ll come out of retirement after his final match. Cena appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week (August 13) and said:
“I know sometimes retirement in wrestling are liquid. They happen, and they renege on that. I am 100% done. December 2025 is the last time I will perform in a ring, said Cena.
– John Cena on Jimmy Kimmel Live
John Cena: WWE Ambassador
Cena plans to be part of the WWE family for years to come, and feels that he can continue contributing by serving as a Brand Ambassador for the world’s premiere sports entertainment company.
“I’ll still be part of the WWE family as an Ambassador, but the time has come to close the physical performing chapter of my life, and I’m at peace with it, which is why 2025 is going to be awesome. It’s going to be fun. It’s not going to be sad, but that’s it.”
– John Cena on Jimmy Kimmel Live
When Cena becomes a WWE Ambassador, he’ll join the likes of other legends like The Undertaker and Lex Luger, who represent the promotion outside the ring. The company would have the accomplished film superstar make special appearances for various promotional events. Cena’s new role will continue to allow him to take on acting roles while being a representative for WWE when needed.
The former 13-time WWE Champion has already shown he can be a great ambassador from his involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and media appearances throughout his career. Another example of his dedication to being a great spokesperson is how much he cares for the WWE fanbase. An old video has resurfaced online regarding Cena’s signing 3,000 photos in the lead-up to WrestleMania 26 in 2010, showing his commitment.
Cena’s new role in WWE would be an excellent way for him to stay connected with the company and continue his journey of becoming a successful box-office attraction in his acting career. Next year will mark the end of Cena’s accomplished wrestling career, but his comments on the Jimmy Kimmel Show show that he still wants to be involved with WWE’s future.
John Cena’s announcement of his in-ring retirement may have only come recently, but it’s something that the WWE icon has been working on for some time. Speaking to Denise Salcedo at the premiere of his new movie Jackpot, Cena addressed his impending exit from the squared circle.
“It’s something I’ve been preparing for, for a long time. If you backtrack interviews, I started talking about that in maybe 2019 so I’m ready for it and I think now is the perfect time to do it.”
Cena went on to share his appreciation to WWE who have been “awesome” working around his schedule. While some will be sad to see the 16-time WWE World Champion step away from the ring, John himself is feeling immensely positive about what’s to come.
“I feel great. It’s a happy thing. I’m not going to tell anyone how to feel because I don’t believe in that but I am going to approach it with an upbeat attitude.”
John Cena’s Retirement Tour
As one of the biggest names in wrestling history, it’s hardly a surprise that several wrestlers have put themselves forward for Cena’s farewell tour. CM Punk hopes to team with John before the latter calls it a career while The Miz is hoping to get one last match with Cena after previously headlining WrestleMania 27 in 2011.
WWE icon John Cena has revealed how many appearances for the promotion he will make next year as he embarks on his retirement tour. Speaking to Collider, Cena said that work on his Peacemaker series will keep him busy for the rest of 2024, but he has fully committed 2025 to WWE.
“It’s gonna be right around 36 dates around the world to pay thanks and gratitude to the WWE audiences around the world. So, that’s what I’m doing in 2025.”
As one of the biggest names in wrestling history, it’s hardly a surprise that several wrestlers have put themselves forward for Cena’s farewell tour. CM Punk hopes to team with John before the latter calls it a career while The Miz is hoping to get one last match with Cena after previously headlining WrestleMania 27 in 2011.
WWE legend John Cena is determined to hang up his boots and he has made it clear that no amount of money could change his mind. He has now shared some more details on his upcoming retirement tour.
During the Jackpot! promotion, Cena told ComicBook that he has built a trustworthy relationship with the fans over the years and the 16-time World Champion is a man of his word. His decorated in-ring career will culminate in December 2025 and said that even if he is offered a huge sum of money, he will still retire. He said:
“There isn’t a check writer with enough money to change my mind when I hang it up in December. I don’t want to continue for ego or financial gain. I built a relationship of trust and authenticity over the years with the WWE, and that’s people who think I suck and people who believe in me, they know that I shoot them straight and I’m trustworthy. I mean what I say: when I’m done in December, I am done. It is the last time I will perform in a ring.”
Cena, who has had a legendary career said that he wants to try something special for his farewell tour and go through the memories of 25 long years. He said:
“It truly is the last time for generations for grandparents and parents and kids to get together in the same time. Grandparents could be like, ‘I didn’t know about wrestling and my son dragged me here.’ That son now has a son and daughter of their own, and they like John Cena, and now their kid likes Cody Rhodes. I want to try to do something special where we can all get together one last time and, and go through 25 years worth of memories.”
John Cena’s post-wrestling career
Following his retirement, Cena is planning to continue to represent WWE. However, he will take up an ambassadorial role.
“I’ll be a member of the WWE family as an ambassador and a grateful one. But you will see me wear this (points to suit), not the wristbands, the jorts, the ball cap. That, in December 2025, that goes away, and that’s the reason why we’re putting so much equity and emphasis on this farewell tour.”
John Cena returned at this year’s Money In The Bank PLE last month and announced his retirement tour. While Cena plans to retire soon, he is thriving in his acting career. Fans can witness him in Jackpot!, an action comedy directed by Paul Feig coming to Prime Video on Thursday, August 15th.
WWE icon John Cena hopes to compete in the United Kingdom at least one more time before he calls it a career in 2025. Speaking to TalkSPORT, Cena spoke about his fondness for the UK and shared his aspirations for the tour.
“I’m retiring from in-ring performing next year and we’ll start in January and we’ll do our last match in December 2025. I really hope there are some UK dates involved in that farewell.”
This is arguably the most specific John Cena has been about his farewell tour since announcing his departure during the Money in the Bank PLE. Cena has also stated that despite his lofty status as a WWE icon, he does not feel it’d be right to make specific requests for opponents as part of his retirement.
John Cena and the United Kingdom
The 16-time WWE World Champion has competed in the UK several times, including having an hour-long war on the April 23, 2007, episode of RAW with Shawn Michaels. At WWE Money in the Bank 2023, Cena surprised fans in London’s O2 Arena and shared his aspirations to bring WrestleMania to the UK.
CM Punk has expressed interest in joining John Cena’s WWE retirement tour next year but isn’t looking to reignite their storied rivalry.
Pro wrestling had a major presence at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 over the weekend, with stars from WWE and AEW participating in various stage panels.
During the ‘Mattel WWE’ panel at Comic-Con, Punk was asked about potential tag team partners. In a lighthearted moment, he jokingly named his dog Larry, who recently got his first merchandise at WWE Shop. Punk then shared a more serious answer:
“If I had to tag up with somebody to beat some people up, it would probably be Larry. Everybody’s asking me because John Cena has announced his retirement, and they obviously want to see us fight each other. I think there’s something to me and him tagging. I think that could be pretty interesting.”
Punk also likened his dynamic with Cena to that of Batman and Superman, highlighting the unique chemistry between the two wrestling icons.
CM Punk was one of John Cena’s greatest rivals, so it’s only fitting that he’s involved in the retirement tour in some capacity. Fans can look forward to seeing how this collaboration unfolds as Cena bids farewell to the WWE ring. The contrast between Cena’s prototypical superhero and Punk’s anti-hero persona created a compelling dynamic that captivated audiences. Their matches were often critically acclaimed, showcasing both men’s in-ring and storytelling abilities. Their rivalry produced several iconic moments, including Punk’s infamous pipebomb promo and their Money in the Bank 2011 match, often hailed as one of the greatest matches of this century.
Punk returns to action this weekend at WWE SummerSlam when he wrestles Drew McInture (with Seth Rollins as guest referee) in his first match since the Royal Rumble in January 2024.
John Cena has already declared that he’ll be at the first episode of WWE Raw when it moves to Netflix in January 2025, and intends to wrestle in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble later that month.
CM Punk and John Cena may have been fierce rivals, but the Best in the World is more interested in teaming with the 16-time World Champion soon.
Speaking at a San Diego Comic-Con panel, Punk was asked about who he’d like to team with now that he’s back in WWE. While Punk’s first choice was Larry, his dog who now has official merch, John Cena was his second pick.
“Everybody’s asking me because (John) Cena has announced his retirement that, you know, obviously they wanna see us fight each other. I think there’s something to me and him tagging. I think that can be pretty interesting.”
Cena and Punk feuded in 2011 as part of the acclaimed ‘Summer of Punk’ that included Punk’s scathing Pipebomb on the June 27, 2011, edition of Monday Night RAW. Punk would ‘leave’ WWE as WWE Champion at Money in the Bank that year only to return eight days later and continue his feud with John.
Teaming with Cena was one of the last acts Punk would perform during his first WWE run before walking out of the company in January 2014. The pair last teamed during the December 18, 2013, edition of WWE SmackDown and earned a (DQ) victory over the Shield.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour
Cena shared at Money in the Bank 2024 that 2025 will be his final year wrestling, ending what will be a legendary 23-year career on WWE’s main roster. Already, several names have put themselves forward as potential opponents. Cena’s WrestleMania 27 adversary The Miz has said he’d love to be part of John’s farewell tour, as does ex-WWE Superstar Matt Cardona. Cena has said he does not have (or wish to use) the backstage sway to pick matches for his tour.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is excited to see John Cena’s retirement tour, a tour that he believes the 16-time World Champion wholly deserves.
Unlike other wrestlers who have had retirement matches, Cena will have a whole tour that will see him make 100 dates in 2025. On his Kliq This podcast, Nash compared Cena’s final run to rock band KISS’ high-profile farewell tour.
“It’s the KISS retirement tour. It made the morning news, local, that John Cena was retiring and I had seen the Money in the Bank [event] and I was like ‘alright.’ He definitely deserves it, he’s worked his ass off. And the thing about John is that he’ll make a Make-A-Wish appearance at everyone [of the shows he appears at.]
John Cena’s Retirement
Cena announced during the Money in the Bank PLE that 2025 will be his final year in wrestling. Details are scarce regarding the retirement of John Cena but fans are already excited to see what’s to come. Despite his monumental star power, Cena has said he does not feel he’s in a position where he can make specific requests regarding opponents for his retirement tour.
Whatever WWE has planned, fans are optimistic that Cena will be given a send-off fitting his legendary career in the ring. There’s no shortage of names from Cena’s past still in WWE who he could work with if he wishes to. On the flip side, working with younger talent who’ve yet to step in the ring with ‘Big Match John‘ would help these younger talents immensely. Whatever’s to come, expect to see plenty of John Cena ahead of his retirement in 2025.
Matt Cardona made independent pro wrestling his kingdom. “The Indy God” was in the middle of the most successful run of his career until he was sidelined with a torn peck a few months ago. He had surgery, underwent stem cell therapy, and began the rigorous road back to the ring.
While many have sat on the sidelines until they were cleared to perform again, that is not Cardona. The veteran is still making towns, currently serving as the general manager for Game Changer Wrestling. He recently returned to the gym, leaving the question of what’s the latest on when we may see him compete again.
What’s Next for Matt Cardona?
“I’m kind of keeping that close to the vest. I want it to be a surprise or at least the announcement to be a surprise. I know in my head when I’m coming back. But I don’t want the rest of the world to know until it’s time.”
How to Stay Relevant
Cardona is fueled by the motivation to fulfill all the goals he sets for himself. He is constantly moving the goalpost. And if anyone knows the importance of staying in the mix, even without wrestling, it’s the former Zack Ryder.
“In this business, it’s what have you done for me lately,” Cardona said. “You have to chase that buzz and stay relevant, especially on the independents. I knew when I got hurt I had to pivot and readjust. I contacted all the promoters I was working for and told them the deal and my situation and rescheduled the ones who didn’t just want me to trash talk. Luckily, for me, I’m able to come to a lot of these places and just trash talk and sell merchandise…
I’m proud that I’m able to make these towns and provide value to these promoters and these fans with much more than just wrestling inside those ropes. At the same time, trust me, I” ‘m rushing to come back. It’s very important. You can’t let the momentum die.”
Z! True Long Island Story
Cardona knows how to make the most of every situation and the tools available to him. A shining example of this is when he launched the Z! True Long Island Story in 2011. The used the YouTube show as a vehicle to build a connection with the audience. In a lot of ways, what the creator helped blaze a new trail for pro wrestlers. He continues to do that in all facets of the business whether it’s marketing himself, branding, podcast, and business ventures including the successful action figure lines.
“I think what made Zack Ryder successful was the time,” Cardona explained. “If I were to do it now, I feel like I would be anyone else…Writing [the show] the show myself, funding it myself, editing myself. You go back and watch some of those episodes, the editing was atrocious. It’s just me in my iMovie.
That was the charm of the show. That’s what the fans could relate to. Including fans on the journey, ‘Broski of the Week’ videos or ‘Sign of the Week,’ encouraging fans to bring signs and sending out trading cards for people that buy my shirt. This wasn’t done back then. If it happened now, it wouldn’t be as special or important. Anybody can do stuff like that now.”
Chelsea Green
Being on the shelf has also allowed Cardona time to really appreciate the success of his wife Chelsea Green in WWE. The couple shares similar traits when it comes to drive and determination. It’s what has gotten Green respect among peers and fans alike. With GCW doing a show nearby the night before, Cardona was able to witness one of Green’s biggest matches at Money in the Bank firsthand. The alum likes to keep to himself when he goes to WWE shows as to not make it seem like he is angling for a job and to keep the focus on supporting Green.
“Even when she was my girlfriend, I couldn’t believe when she was doing the ‘Hot Mess’ stuff on Impact that WWE didn’t want to hire her. Then I couldn’t believe they fired her. Then I couldn’t believe that in-between at NXT they weren’t using her. I’m glad she now getting the recognition she deserves…
Obviously, super proud of everything, not only what she did in that match, but even if it’s a pretape on SmackDown or falling off a ladder through tables. It’s nice to see the wrestling world giving her the flowers finally I think it’s a matter of time before she gets what she deserves. I hate saying deserves because she would have earned it.”
GCW
Cardona is proud to be part of GCW. He believes the company also deserves proverbial flowers with what the promotion created. Cardona named as one to watch with a bright future.
“GCW is a company I feel I put on the map with that death match with Nick Gage,” he said. “At the same time, they put me on the map with that death match with Nick Gage. The relationship has been mutually beneficial. That match changed my life and career. I owe so much to GCW.
I don’t think GCW gets the credit it deserves. This company is truly an independent company run all over the world and every weekend. I think it’s WWE and GCW. I don’t think any other company runs as much or as consistently here as GCW runs. With WWE, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do stuff with GCW. They already kind of are with the Bloodsport.”
The lifelong pro wrestling fan can even picture a GCW invasion likened to what ECW did on Raw. Laying out the hypothetical booking, “Imagine if Matt Cardona comes down the ramp at Raw and, Joey Janela, Effy, Nick Gage, Steph De Lander, and Mance Warner. Brett Lauderdale could be the new Heyman on commentary. I’m getting goosebumps. Talk about a perfect way for Matt Cardona to make his debut in GCW. You want to talk about moments. That’s a moment.”
John Cena Retiring
Another thing he wants is a match against John Cena, who announced he’ll be retiring in 2025. The two were close for many years with Cena a big advocate for the Long Island broski. This would involve Cardona returning to WWE, but how would all that work?
“He is just a pro’s pro. What a way to go out. What a smart way to go out. A whole year plus because he is hyping it up in July. I’m thinking about the merch. John is such a great guy. Someone who helped me in my career. Those posts I make on social media are not BS. I would love to wrestle John Cena one last time.
I think with the way things with WWE are now, I think it could happen where I could just walk in one day or make a return. I think John Cena versus Zack Ryder was fine. They were what they were. John Cena versus Matt Cardona. That’s where the story is. I could say, ‘John Cena, you’re the reason why my WWE career didn’t take off.’ So many things that we can play into. I know that if I walked through the doors of WWE, surprise or not, I could get a reaction…I’m happy he gets to go out on his own terms.”
Hanging Up His “Indy God” Crown
When Cardona does come back to wrestle, he plans to hang up “The Indy God” hat. He is looking for another change in presentation after feeling he has done it all. The true freelancer will weigh his options, believing he can fit into any wrestling landscape. Alwayz ready isn’t just a catchphrase, but a life mantra. He doesn’t just want to work for peanuts. Cardona is looking for the whole jar.
““There are so many guys in AEW I would love to wrestle,” Cardona said. “There are ones I would love to wrestle for the first time like Kenny Omega. I would love to wrestle MJF. Long Island versus Long Island. Then WWE. WWE is on fire right now. Cody Rhodes, WWE champion. All I’m saying is when he left WWE, he left because Zack Ryder beat Stardust. It sent him out of the company. There are so many potential matchups.
… At the same time, I won’t sacrifice everything I built. If it doesn’t make sense for me to go to WWE or AEW, I will reinvent myself and reinvent the whole god damn independent scene. That’s what I will do. I’m grateful for my time WWE, highs and lows, but I’m not finished left. I have so much left in the tank, body-wise, and creatively. That’s why being injured sucks so bad. It’s also good for me to kind of rethink some things and plan some things out. I’m very excited for the next couple of months to see what happens for me… 2025 will be a fun year for Matt Cardona. We’ll see.”
Self-professed ‘Indy God’ Matt Cardona is hoping to step in the ring with John Cena as part of the 16-time WWE World Champion’s impending retirement tour.
At WWE Money in the Bank, Cena shared that 2025 will be his final year in the ring, ending a 23-year wrestling career in WWE. In a recent interview with SE Scoops’ own Scott Fishman, Cardona made it clear he hopes to face John before Cena hangs up his jorts.
“I would love to wrestle John Cena one last time. I think with the way WWE is now, it’s something that could happen where I could just walk in, whether it be for one day, or make a return… Zack Ryder vs. John Cena, those matches were fine. They were what they were. John Cena vs. Matt Cardona, that’s that’s where the story is.”
John Cena’s Retirement
Details are scarce regarding the retirement of John Cena but fans are already excited to see what’s to come. Despite his monumental star power, Cena has said he does not feel he’s in a position where he can make specific requests regarding opponents for his retirement tour.
Cena and Cardona (Zack Ryder at the time) became a duo on WWE TV in late 2011 and early 2012 during Cena’s feud with the recently-returned Kane. To get in Cena’s head, Kane repeatedly attacked Ryder and also targeted Zack’s on-screen girlfriend Eve Torres. During an infamous episode of WWE TV, Cena would save Eve from an attack by Kane, only to be kissed by the former Divas Champion. The camera would pivot to reveal Ryder (now in a wheelchair after weeks of attacks) had seen the kiss.
Could Matt Cardona return years later to get revenge on ‘Big Match John’? Given WWE’s willingness to work with others outside the promotion, it certainly seems more possible than ever before.
John Cena made a surprise appearance at last month’s Money in the Bank 2024 to announce his retirement. Cena is not an ordinary character and his retirement plan is fittingly unusual.
The 16-time World Champion is going out in a big way and has announced the John Cena WWE retirement tour spanning January-December 2025. He’s planning to make around 40 appearances next year and is still driven to a World Champion. Legends such as Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle have done big retirement angles, but Cena simply wants to wrestle in front of his fans all around the world before he calls it a career.
With those loose parameters, here are 5 things we want to see out of John Cena’s final year with WWE.
1. John Cena Should Put Over Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes is a bona fide superstar, and by most metrics the biggest babyface WWE has built since John Cena. Moreover, while the two had some forgettable matches against each other during The American Nightmare’s first WWE run, the matchup still feels fresh, given fans are now looking at a totally different version of Rhodes as a credible main event act.
Rhodes vs. Cena feels like a dream match, and given that one of each man’s greatest strengths is their promo skills, there’s every opportunity to make this feel like a match for the ages. Most importantly, though, Rhodes has, since returning to WWE, beaten Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles. There’s every indicator that The Rock may well put him over, and an encounter with Randy Orton is heavily rumored. Cena is one of a small handful of truly meaningful stars whom Rhodes can still beat for the first time, and in so doing close the door on the past generation of WWE stars.
2. John Cena Should Avoid Long Feuds
Long-term storytelling has its merits as WWE has demonstrated with Cody Rhodes vs. The Bloodline, CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre, and Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan to name a few. However, there when time is a limited resource, there can also be a sense that a wrestler is squandering his time when he faces the same opponent over and over again.
As a key example, it was great to see Edge back in a WWE ring from 2020 to 2023. As good as Seth Rollins and Finn Balor each were, though, it was still hard not to feel like the company burned daylight by having The Rated R Superstar feud for so long with these particular rivals when there was a slate of fresher programs he never got to.
Hopefully, John Cena will have some rich storylines to sink his teeth into. Just the same, when he only has one year left, it would be a shame to see him linger too long on just one opponent.
3. John Cena Should Win The World Heavyweight Championship
One of the biggest question marks surrounding John Cena’s last year is whether he’ll break his tie with Ric Flair and win a record seventeenth world championship. There’s a case to be made in either direction.
On one hand, Cena certainly doesn’t need another world title for credibility, other talents would benefit more, and there’s a certain lame-duck quality to a champ fans know plans to retire inside a year.
On the other hand, it’s rare that there’s an opportunity to make history on this level, and Cena is one of the strikingly few legitimate franchise players WWE’s had who would make sense to accomplish this specific feat. While it wouldn’t be wise to mess with a WWE Championship picture that involves Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Rock, there is more leeway to squeeze in one last, brief title reign for Cena with the World Heavyweight Championship.
4. John Cena Should Put Over Uncle Howdy
WWE
WWE’s handling of Bray Wyatt was all over the place, but one of this greatest accomplishments was beating John Cena at WrestleMania. Cena won their first feud—including their first ‘Mania match in 2014. Wyatt beat Cena in a polarizing and unforgettable Firefly Fun House match at WrestleMania 36, though, that, in many ways, was the perfect testament to Wyatt’s legacy in WWE.
One of the best ways to pay homage to the late Wyatt and give his brother, Uncle Howdy, a concrete push, would be for Cena to do the honors for this family once more. There’s a variety of ways to do this, but one relatively low stakes proposition that would befit the legacy they’re following in would be to stage one more Firefly Fun House match—or work a comparable gimmick—before Cena moves on.
5. John Cena Should Avoid Wasting Too Much Time On Nostalgia Feuds
From the post-Money in the Bank press conference alone, questions arose about John Cena wrestling The Rock one more time or feuding with CM Punk one more time. There is a certain appeal to revisiting these iconic matchups that fans never thought they’d have the chance to see again–particularly for a setting like WrestleMania 41. On the other hand, there’s also a point at which it’s better to move on to new things.
While one-off matches with Punk, Rock, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, The Miz, or Roman Reigns could be enjoyable nods to their histories together, these are also all matches fans have seen at least twice in high-profile, fully realized situations. With a fresher slate of prospective opponents like Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Drew McIntyre, Bron Breakker, LA Knight, Logan Paul, and quite few others awaiting him, it would be better for Cena to focus his retirement tour on matchups that haven’t already been over-exposed.
Pro wrestling veteran Chris Jericho feels that fans have a great time ahead of them as John Cena announced his farewell tour before hanging up his boots.
Chris Jericho recently made an appearance on McGuire on Wrestling podcast and he was asked to share his insights on Cena’s retirement tour. It was mentioned to the former WWE star that Cena’s retirement means he has outlasted the 16-time World Champion. While Jericho agreed, he reckoned that John Cena always had a great connection with his fans and it’s an amazing way to end his career.
“My career is already longer than John Cena’s. No, I mean it’s great. John’s always had a great love for wrestling and he’s got a great connection with the fans, so I think it’s a cool way to go about it.”
‘The Learning Tree’ is certain that Cena will be focused on ensuring that the retirement plans turn out well and he believes fans will enjoy watching Cena back in the squared circle for his final run. He said:
“People know that this is it, and John’s not the type of guy to say anything lightly, so I’m sure he’s been focused on this and working with the company to make sure it’s right. I’m sure it’s going to be a really great year-and-a-half for Cena fans and for John Cena himself.”
John Cena’s retirement
‘The Leader of Cenation’ made his surprise return during last Saturday’s WWE Money In The Bank PLE at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. He shocked the fans when he announced that he decided to hang up his boots next year. He didn’t specify when and where he would compete in his final match.
However, he made it clear that next year will be his last time competing at the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania. During the post-show press conference, he further shared details of his upcoming farewell tour.
CM Punk has teased one more match with John Cena before his retirement,
One of the biggest surprises of the Money In The Bank 2024 PPV was the unannounced appearance of John Cena. The Cenation Leader cut a promo during the show and announced that WrestleMania 41 will be his last.
The Straight Edge star who was part of the post-show press conference was asked about the big announcement from his arch-rival. Punk revealed what he told the Peacemaker star when they ran into each other backstage after the segment:
“I know he is busy, he’s filming Peacemaker. So I figured he was leaving right away. I was pleasantly surprised to run into him afterwards, and I told him, I’ll be the guy that drags him out of retirement.
This retirement that he says he’s going to adhere to, and that’s it. When the final one happens, that’s going to be it. Like 15 years, I’ll drag him out of retirement.”
One More Time: CM Punk
CM Punk discussed what John Cena means to his career and said that he feels proud at being an integral part of Cena’s run. He then teased one final showdown with the 16-time world champion before he calls it a career:
“But Cena, I think to my career means a lot. I don’t think there’s many people up in that rare air where if you talk about my career, I feel you have to talk about John. And makes me feel proud that I think if you talk about John’s career, I think you have to talk about me. We’re married in that respect, so proud of him.
He gets to go out on his terms. I know that’s important. I’m looking forward to what he does. And I told him that if it’s going to be one more time, we gotta do it at least one more time.”
John Cena was also part of the press conference where he provided some more details on his retirement tour. You can check out what he said here.
