As John Cena’s farewell tour draws closer to its climax, WWE fans and insiders alike are buzzing about who the legendary superstar’s final adversary will be. While speculation has swirled around various names, including Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes, a surprising new suggestion has emerged — one of WWE’s all-time icons, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Wrestling veteran and former WWE official Teddy Long recently pitched Austin as Cena’s ultimate opponent in his retirement match, sparking excitement throughout the wrestling community.
The Buzz Around Cena’s Final Match Builds
John Cena’s 2025 farewell tour has been unprecedented, marked by a rare heel run and rapid shifts back to his fan-favorite persona. Despite the fan fervor, Cena’s trajectory has been tumultuous; his recent loss to Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza stunned viewers, especially following Lesnar’s dominant six consecutive F-5 finisher moves[1]. This outcome seemingly dashed earlier hopes that Cena’s send-off would involve a triumphant final win.
Amid this backdrop, WWE insiders have pointed out that the company quietly foreshadowed a potential final match with Lesnar during Wrestlepalooza, suggesting that a rematch is a strong possibility[1]. However, Teddy Long’s recent comments bring another fascinating angle: the idea of Cena closing his storied career by locking horns with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, a name synonymous with WWE’s golden era.
Teddy Long’s Take: A Legend Meets a Legend
On the “Road Trip After Hours” podcast, Teddy Long expressed his enthusiasm for a Cena-Austin bout as the perfect bookend to Cena’s illustrious career. Long emphasized the symbolic weight of such a match — pitting two of WWE’s most influential and charismatic stars against each other one last time.
According to Long, “Having Steve Austin as John’s final opponent would be a dream scenario—not only for the fans but for both men. It’s about respect, legacy, and giving the audience a moment that will be remembered forever.” Long’s suggestion also reflects a growing sentiment backstage that Cena deserves to end on a high note, ideally against someone whose in-ring work and star power complement his own[reference].
Backstage Insights and WWE’s Possible Direction
Sources close to WWE reveal that while no official announcement has been made about Cena’s final opponent or the venue for his farewell match, discussions are intensifying behind the scenes. One WWE insider shared, “There’s definite interest in booking something nostalgic for John’s final bout. The company knows the match needs to be an event beyond just any standard WWE show. A Cena vs. Austin clash would check all those boxes.”
The insider also noted that while Brock Lesnar remains a candidate due to his storyline dominance over Cena, his “Beast” character’s recent overwhelming victory might make it challenging to craft a satisfying pay-off if Lesnar is the last opponent. In contrast, a match against “Stone Cold” Steve Austin provides narrative balance — a passing of the torch between two eras and an emotionally resonant final contest for Cena.
What Fans Are Saying
Fan reactions to Long’s pitch have ranged from excitement to skepticism. Many appreciate the idea of Cena facing a legend with whom he has never had a televised one-on-one match, noting it would be a historic moment for WWE. Social media buzz highlights:
- “A Cena vs. Stone Cold match would be epic. It’s a dream match that could give Cena the proper send-off he deserves.”
- “Austin hasn’t stepped in the ring much lately, but if he’s healthy enough, this would be a perfect farewell.”
- “Lesnar is an obvious rival, but something about Austin closing Cena’s career feels just right.”
Historical Context: Never Before Meeting in WWE Ring
Interestingly, despite overlapping careers, John Cena and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin never had a singles match on WWE’s main roster. Austin’s peak WWE years were largely before Cena’s debut in 2002, and Austin’s reduced in-ring activity in subsequent years limited their chances to square off.
This would add an extra layer of intrigue to their potential encounter: a first-ever WWE singles match between two extraordinary performers who defined WWE’s different eras. It would serve as both a nostalgic celebration and a passing of the torch to the new generation represented by Cena.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While the idea is compelling, there are practical challenges. Steve Austin has been mostly retired from in-ring competition since the early 2000s and is 58 years old. Physical condition and the risk of injury remain important considerations. WWE would likely opt for a brief, well-choreographed match or a limited in-ring segment focusing more on storytelling and spectacle.
Moreover, the timing and setting of Cena’s final match are still unconfirmed. Wrestling news outlets note that WWE has yet to announce the date or venue for Cena’s farewell match, leaving room for speculation and strategic planning[2].
Final Notes: A Farewell to Remember
Whether Cena’s last opponent ends up being Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, or potentially Steve Austin, it is clear WWE is aiming for a memorable goodbye to one of its cornerstones from the past two decades. Teddy Long’s proposal adds a fresh chapter to the ongoing debate and highlights the importance of balancing nostalgia, storytelling, and legacy as Cena’s in-ring career approaches its conclusion.
As one WWE insider put it, “John Cena’s final match is more than just a bout—it’s a celebration of his impact on the business. Whoever steps into that ring with him will be part of that legacy forever.” Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whose names get officially thrown into the ring for what promises to be one of WWE’s most significant moments of 2025.