John Cena’s retirement tour has been one of the most closely followed storylines in WWE throughout 2025, but behind the scenes, plans have shifted more than fans might realize. Several high-profile opponents initially considered for Cena’s farewell run were scrapped, altering the trajectory of his final matches in the ring. According to industry insider Billi Bhatti on the Dirty Sheets Wrestling Informer podcast, WWE made strategic cuts to John Cena’s potential adversaries as the company sought to craft a retirement tour that balanced nostalgia, fresh narratives, and logistical realities[4].
The Changing Landscape of Cena’s Farewell Opponents
When WWE announced Cena’s retirement tour, the anticipation was that Cena would face a broad spectrum of top stars — veterans, contemporary rivals, and rising talent alike — before stepping away from full-time competition. Early speculation included matchups with fan favorites like AJ Styles, Brock Lesnar, and even Brock’s well-known rivalry counterpart, Roman Reigns. However, due to multiple factors including scheduling conflicts, creative direction, and personal circumstances affecting certain stars, WWE ended up scrapping many of these dream encounters[4][1].
Notable Opponents Who Didn’t Make the Cut
Bron Breakker: The NXT standout and future WWE main-eventer was rumored as a possible opponent. However, with Breakker aligned with Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins on the main roster and positioned as a heel, conflicting brand stories and character dynamics prevented a booking with Cena[1].
Brock Lesnar: Lesnar, a legendary Cena rival, has been absent from WWE programming since SummerSlam 2023 amid ongoing controversies and speculation about his retirement status. WWE’s current decision appears to exclude Lesnar from Cena’s farewell tour due to his sporadic appearances and unclear future in wrestling[1].
AJ Styles: Fans clamored for a classic Cena vs. Styles rivalry reprise during the farewell tour. WWE reportedly considered including this bout, but ultimately, creative priorities led to this potential showdown being shelved. A WWE source revealed, “Facing AJ Styles again would have been a real treat for fans, but the timing didn’t align with the tour schedule and storyline focus”[4].
The Finalized Opponents and Major Highlights
Despite some opponents being removed, Cena’s retirement tour still features marquee matches that have thrilled the WWE Universe:
Randy Orton and CM Punk: Longtime animosity and grudges were revisited with these bouts, offering fans renewed intensity and storytelling depth.
Cody Rhodes: A fan-favorite face-off rekindled Cena’s competitive spirit and provided cinematic moments, cementing their trilogy as a high point of Cena’s farewell year[3].
Logan Paul: A surprise inclusion for the Clash in Paris event, representing a clash of eras and crossover appeal.
Gunther: Widely rumored and later confirmed as potentially Cena’s final opponent in December in Boston, Gunther’s rise as a dominant and respected star makes him a symbolic last hurdle. Gunther himself praised Cena’s journey, stating, “It’s great for him to do it his way, and if anybody deserves it, it’s him”[2].
Backstage Insights Into WWE’s Decision-Making
An insider close to WWE’s creative team explained, “John Cena’s retirement tour needed to walk a fine line — delivering memorable matches while managing the realities of tour scheduling, talent availability, and WWE’s brand direction. While some dream matches didn’t happen, the ones that did made for a compelling farewell.” This approach has reportedly been intentional to maintain momentum for both Cena’s legacy and the company’s emerging stars[4].
The scrapped opponents were not just victims of poor planning but often due to genuine obstacles such as injuries, star power alignments, and unforeseen external issues like Brock Lesnar’s legal and personal matters. Scheduling constraints also played a major role, as Cena limited his dates to preserve his physical health late in his career, leaving fewer slots for multiple high-profile encounters[1].
The Impact on John Cena’s Legacy
Though fans were initially disappointed by scrapped matchups, the recalibrated lineup allowed Cena to cement his legacy uniquely. Winning his 17th world title at WrestleMania 41 propelled him to an unprecedented record, while his heel turn at the Elimination Chamber added intriguing layers to his character arc[2]. His retirement tour balances celebration, nostalgia, and storytelling, leveraging his most meaningful rivalries and establishing a strong send-off.
John Cena’s retirement matches reflect WWE’s commitment to honoring its longest-serving stars while carefully ushering in the future. His farewell has become a major draw for ticket sales and TV ratings, showcasing the magnetic power Cena still commands despite limited appearances.
What’s Next for Cena After Retirement?
While John Cena’s in-ring career is officially winding down, sources suggest he will remain influential in WWE’s creative and ambassadorial roles. Officials see him transitioning smoothly into mentorship and media positions, which aligns with his broader entertainment ambitions.
An insider noted, “Cena is a WWE lifer. Even after stepping away from active competition, expect him to shape the company — whether through producing, commentary, or special appearances.”
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This strategic editing of John Cena’s retirement tour opponents highlights WWE’s complex balancing of tradition, talent development, and storyline effectiveness — ensuring Cena’s last chapter in the ring is both memorable and meaningful.