Injury Forces WWE To Scrap Major John Cena Retirement Tour Plans

John Cena’s retirement tour is in its final stretch, with only eight dates left before he hangs up his wrestling boots for good.

Cena’s last scheduled WWE match will take place on December 13, 2025, at a special edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, possibly in Boston. Throughout his farewell tour, The Never Seen 17 has faced top stars and participated in high-profile events. His journey included a major title win at WrestleMania 41 and a heel run before shifting back to a fan favorite role.

NBA Star Tyrese Haliburton Wanted To Share The Stage With John Cena at SummerSlam

John Cena lost the WWE Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025. NBA star Tyrese Haliburton recently shared on Logan Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast that there were loose plans to walk heel John Cena to the ring at SummerSlam in New York if the Indiana Pacers won the championship.

Haliburton had discussed the idea with Triple H two months earlier, expressing how special the moment would be. However, after an injury sidelined Haliburton and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Pacers, WWE had to drop the proposed plans for his appearance at SummerSlam, making the unique crossover moment impossible this year.

“The plan was, like, two months ago. And when I say plan, I mean very, very loosely, like I talked with H maybe about one time. I was like, if Cena’s a heel in New York and we win a championship, let me walk him out with the trophy… When I got hurt, the first two things were, this game, next season, John Cena… My trainer asked me, ‘What would be a bigger deal to you, winning the championship or walking out… John Cena, with the trophy?’… neck and neck, 1 and 2,” he said.

WWE intends for John Cena’s final match to be extremely memorable and a fitting end to his storied career. While many wrestlers hope to be involved, only a select few will get the chance. According to Dirty Sheets Wrestling Informer, WWE has removed a planned match with AJ Styles from Cena’s tour lineup. Kevin Owens was also considered, but is recovering from neck surgery and off the roster, while Adam Copeland (Edge) is now signed with AEW.

“As for who his opponents will be, I have absolutely no idea what they are planning to do. What I know they’re not doing is they are no longer doing John Cena versus AJ Styles.. Kevin Owens was another one, but Kevin Owens is injured. Adam Copeland — Edge — is no longer in the company.” [h/t: Ringside News]