John Cena Trusting WWE With Key Retirement Decision

John Cena is moving ever-closer to retirement.

By the end of 2025, John Cena will no longer be calling himself a WWE Superstar.

Cena’s run with the company began with a developmental deal in 2000, and has seen him go on to break several records and headline some of the biggest events in company history. However, in December, that run will come to an end.

During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Cena again denied that he’ll choose his final opponent, trusting WWE to create a special moment.

“No, I’ve never operated like that. It’s weird because I’ve always just been the guy. I’ve just always been kind of reliable and showing up and doing whatever I’m asked. I really want this tour to be not only special, I want it 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.”

WWE Could Use John Cena To Oppose AEW

While the man himself has continued to distance himself from creative, a new report has claimed that WWE could use his retirement match to counter AEW.

Throughout 2025, WWE has moved to counter AEW programming at every opportunity, but things are likely to go up a level very soon. According to one report, John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar will headline an as-yet-unannounced Premium Live Event on September 20 — the same date as AEW All Out.

In addition, it’s now been claimed that Cena’s final match could be moved from mid-December to go up against AEW Worlds End.

In recent days, Brock Lesnar has been advertised for SmackDown on September 12 and September 19. A potential match in September would also explain why Lesnar isn’t being used at Clash In Paris on August 31.

H/t to Fightful