As John Cena’s highly anticipated WWE retirement tour continues to captivate fans worldwide in 2025, another exciting storyline nearly took shape behind the scenes. WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam (RVD) recently revealed that he was in serious discussions to make a surprise comeback and clash with Cena one last time, a dream match that ultimately fell through due to unforeseen circumstances.
Rob Van Dam’s Near Return to WWE Rings
In a candid interview with TMZ Sports, Rob Van Dam shared details about the talks he had with WWE regarding a potential return for John Cena’s farewell run. According to RVD, there was mutual interest on both sides to book a marquee match featuring him against Cena, which would have added another highlight to Cena’s legendary farewell campaign.
“I wanted to be one of the return matches for John Cena on his retirement tour,” RVD explained. “We were talking. There was a lot of interest. Without giving away too many details, you know, we were probably going to do it. And then I broke my heels.”
This unexpected injury brought the plans to a halt and prevented what could have been a memorable encounter between two icons from wrestling’s past and present eras[4].
John Cena’s Retirement Tour: A Global Wrestling Farewell
Cena’s retirement in 2025 marks the end of an era and his WWE farewell tour has been meticulously planned to give fans across the world the chance to celebrate his career. With roughly 35 to 40 dates scheduled throughout the year, Cena is performing in multiple markets for what he has termed his “last time in” various cities, ensuring his presence is felt in key wrestling hotspots across the globe[2].
Major events on the 2025 calendar include:
WWE SummerSlam in New Jersey
WWE Clash in Paris, France
WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia
Survivor Series: WarGames in San Diego
The tour includes spectacular clashes with legendary rivals and current stars alike, solidifying Cena’s status as one of WWE’s most enduring performers[3].
Behind the Scenes: What Could Have Been
A WWE insider familiar with the retirement tour planning confirmed that RVD was indeed high on the wishlist for one of Cena’s final opponents. “John’s team wanted a special surprise for fans and Rob Van Dam’s style and charisma made him a perfect fit,” the source revealed. “RVD’s return would have added a nostalgic yet high-energy dynamic to Cena’s send-off.”
Unfortunately, RVD’s injury was a setback beyond anyone’s control. Sources close to WWE indicated that the company remains interested in eventually bringing RVD back, though no concrete plans have been announced post-retirement tour.
The Significance of RVD vs. Cena
A WWE showdown between Rob Van Dam and John Cena would have been significant on multiple levels. Both men are WWE Hall of Famers known for their unique in-ring abilities and loyal fanbases.
RVD’s high-flying, innovative offense revolutionized wrestling styles in the early 2000s.
Cena’s blend of power, charisma, and resilience set the standard for a generation.
Their styles contrast and complement each other, promising a match dynamic that WWE fans long for. An RVD-Cena match-up would have served as a fitting homage to WWE’s past while celebrating its present.
What Cena’s Farewell Tour Has Delivered So Far
Since kicking off his retirement tour at the 2025 Royal Rumble, John Cena has featured in a range of electrifying matches against stars old and new alike. His feud with Cody Rhodes culminated in a high-profile loss of the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, intensifying the drama as Cena nears retirement[3].
The tour also emphasizes personal goodbyes to cities Cena once ruled, making every appearance emotionally charged for fans and the WWE Universe.
Looking Ahead: Cena’s Final Dates
With approximately eight appearances remaining, including major events such as Crown Jewel in Australia (October) and Survivor Series: WarGames (November), Cena’s farewell continues to build momentum.
Insiders hint that Cena’s official retirement match—presumably taking place at a special event in December—is being crafted to deliver a memorable send-off befitting his career legacy[3].
Final Thoughts
While Rob Van Dam’s WWE return to face John Cena during the retirement tour didn’t materialize, the mere discussion of it highlights the significance of Cena’s farewell run. As he continues to make stops worldwide, the wrestling community eagerly anticipates the moments and matches that will cap off the journey of one of WWE’s all-time greats.
As RVD put it, “We were probably going to do it,” serving as a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been, while reminding fans that Cena’s retirement tour remains a historic chapter in WWE history[4].