News

Why 3-Time WWE Champion Shouldn’t End John Cena’s Career

John Cena

John Cena is on the verge of retiring.

On the latest episode of Monday Night RAW, WWE initiated the Last Time is Now Tournament. Rusev defeated Damian Priest to move forward in the tournament. Sheamus also secured his spot by winning his first-round match against Shinsuke Nakamura on the same day.

Then on Friday Night SmackDown, Jey Uso and LA Knight advanced after beating The Miz and a returning Zack Ryder in singles matches, respectively.

On the latest episode of Story Time podcast, Dutch Mantell was asked if he thinks Rusev should face John Cena in his retirement match. Mantell was not on board with the idea as he felt the match would lack creativity.

Mantell said, “I think him and Rusev would be a horrible match. I really do. See, because Cena has his best matches with bullsh*t-type guys, and that’s what he does, and he can play into that. That’s why I’m saying, and that’s the reason I put Logan Paul in there. Not necessarily a great, great wrestling match, but a very creative type of match. I can’t see Rusev being that creative.” (From 9:53)

Sheamus Is Not The Right Opponent To Be John Cena’s Final Opponent

Dutch Mantell added that 3-time WWE Champion Sheamus is also not a good fit to be John Cena’s retirement opponent.

“Sheamus. Well, he could probably put something in there, but he has no push behind him right now. He is just sitting there, Mantell added. (From 10:25)
On the November 18 episode of Monday Night RAW, Gunther is advertised to make his WWE return. His first match back will be a first-round bout in John Cena’s “Last Time Is Now” tournament, where he will face NXT superstar Je’Von Evans.
This return is highly anticipated as The Ring General has been out since losing the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk at SummerSlam in August 2025 due to injury. Many people expect him to win the tournament and face Cena in his retirement match.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the original source and then h/t with a link back to TJR Wrestling for the transcription.

Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.