I Predict Who Will Face John Cena One Last Time?

Breaking down the top contenders in John Cena's retirement tour closer

Following WWE Saturday Night Main Event this past Saturday, WWE and John Cena announced a 16-man tournament to determine who will be his final opponent and close out Cena's Retirement Tour. So far on Monday Night Raw, The company has confirmed Rusev, Shinsuke Nakamura, Shemus, and Damian Priest as participants in the tournament. Fans online have already begun speculating that it could be Gunther or even legends like Edge or Chris Jericho.

But Cena has made it clear in his promo for the tournament: “On my last day, I want to give the same grace and opportunity that I received on my first day.” That tells us everything. Cena doesn’t want one more nostalgia act or a fan pleasing dream match. He wants to leave by elevating the future. Win or lose, anyone who faces him at SNME will walk away with the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s the kind of chance that can change a career. Unlike when Brock Lesnar broke The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania 30. The win didn’t elevate Lesnar, and the moment felt more like pure shock than legacy building.

We are less than six weeks away from the tournament’s conclusion, so here are my top picks for who could be the final opponent of John Cena.

Gunther

Gunther has WWE's backing in a major way. Despite a world heavyweight title run that hasn’t quite hit the mark, he’s still respected for his dominant Intercontinental Championship reign and his presence as one of the most intimidating figures on the roster. Closing out Cena’s tour would be a defining moment for Gunther, especially if he gets the win. That victory could fuel his rise into 2026, right into WrestleMania 42.

Dirty Dominik Mysterio

Wrestling tradition says you leave the business on your back. Dominik Mysterio could be the one to retire Cena and take that honor. One smart angle is having the Intercontinental title on the line. It’s one of the few titles Cena hasn’t held. Imagine a story where John goes after that final accolade, only to fall short. If Dominik walks out with the win, he could cement himself as the greatest Mysterio of all time.

Joe Hendry

This idea is less likely, but how cool would it be? Joe Hendry was one of the standout stars in all of wrestling last year, especially coming from Impact. He already shared a moment with Randy Orton at WrestleMania, but a match against Cena would be the ultimate boost. It’s a long shot, but a Cena vs. Hendry match would get fans talking in the best way.

Bron Breakker

Bron Breakker is clearly on WWE’s radar for a major push. Before he gets the kind of rise Jey Uso received this year, a win over Cena in his final match could launch him into that top tier. It positions Breakker as a true threat to the world title heading into WrestleMania season. If WWE wants to create a new force in the company, this is the move.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few more names that might slip into the tournament and potentially face Cena in the finals. These picks are unlikely, but still worth watching:

Carmelo Hayes

Ilja Dragunov

Chris Jericho

No matter who faces Cena in his last match, that person will be the focus of the WWE universe on the road to Mania. The major question after the match will be how WWE follows up on that star’s booking. Will they capitalize on the moment or let the momentum fade? The tournament kicks off in Cena’s hometown of Boston next week on Raw, and I’ll be locked in from start to finish. The road to Cena’s final opponent is officially underway.