As WWE’s legendary John Cena winds down his illustrious career with a farewell tour culminating in a high-stakes 16-man tournament, conversations around who deserves the honor of facing Cena in his final match are heating up. Former WWE star Maven has recently entered the debate with a compelling opinion on who should be chosen to retire Cena inside the squared circle.
John Cena’s Farewell Tour and the 16-Man Tournament
John Cena, widely regarded as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time, is on a carefully planned retirement tour throughout 2025. This tour features an extensive schedule of appearances, including numerous WWE Raw and SmackDown events, pay-per-views like Money in the Bank and SummerSlam, and a final event slated for December 2025 in Boston[1].
The high point of Cena’s farewell is a 16-man tournament designed to decide his ultimate retirement opponent. This unique tournament has sparked speculation and excitement among fans and insiders alike, as it not only honors Cena’s legendary career but also sets the stage for a new generation’s ascendance.
Maven’s Take: A Rising Star Must Retire Cena
In a recent appearance on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, Maven expressed that the dream scenario would be for Cena’s final match to serve as a passing-of-the-torch moment. Maven believes that Cena’s last opponent should be a rising star rather than a veteran or established main-eventer. His rationale centers on the importance of elevating fresh talent by having them share the spotlight in such a historical match[Reference].
According to Maven, “Retiring John Cena should be about the next generation stepping up. It’s an opportunity to create a new icon by having them stand toe-to-toe with one of the greatest of all time” (paraphrased). His view underscores a common wrestling philosophy where legends exit by putting over promising talent, thus fueling the industry’s future.
WWE Insider Insights on the Final Opponent
Sources close to WWE management have echoed the sentiment that the company is keen on using Cena’s retirement as a launching pad for new stars. “There’s a real push backstage to ensure that Cena’s farewell match means more than just a goodbye — it has to be a storyline catalyst for the next era,” shared a WWE insider familiar with the booking plans.
This internal perspective aligns with Maven’s public opinion and reflects how WWE’s hierarchy often uses veteran exits to spotlight younger roster members who are ready for bigger roles. The tournament format itself, involving 16 competitors, is an example of WWE’s commitment to giving multiple stars a platform while building toward one defining final challenger.
Potential Rising Stars to Watch
Though Maven did not specify a particular wrestler by name during his comments, rumblings from the WWE locker room and fan conversations highlight several candidates widely regarded as future cornerstones of WWE’s product:
Cameron Grimes: Known for his charisma and in-ring skills, Grimes has been steadily climbing the ranks and could gain tremendous momentum from facing Cena in his last match.
Bron Breakker: The NXT powerhouse with a strong lineage and explosive style has the look and presence to become a top-tier WWE star.
Rhea Ripley (if WWE chooses to go intergender in a groundbreaking farewell match): Ripley has demonstrated premier-level performances and carries star quality that can elevate any match.
Solo Sikoa or Wes Lee: Both have displayed notable potential that could be amplified through high-profile exposure.
Backstage sources have confirmed that the tournament brackets will be carefully crafted to not only present compelling matchups but also allow one standout competitor to face Cena on a grand stage[Reference].
John Cena’s Farewell Tour: More Than Just Matches
Cena himself has emphasized that his farewell tour is about celebrating “23 years of memories” and connecting with fans one last time in meaningful ways. He has repeatedly stated his desire to “make some noise” and give his absolute best, regardless of the outcome or opponent[5]. Cena’s farewell events have included promotional efforts like the WWE 2K25 Farewell Tour Edition video game release, which features two versions of Cena and commemorative content to honor his career[2]. WWE has also launched merchandise like the Farewell Tour 2025 Boston t-shirt, allowing fans to show support and keep the celebration alive[4].
What Cena’s Retirement Match Could Mean for WWE
John Cena’s farewell match will undoubtedly be one of the most significant moments in WWE history, symbolizing the end of an era and setting the stage for new stars. Maven’s call to entrust this final match to a rising talent complements WWE’s strategy to keep the company’s future bright.
As one source noted, “Cena’s retirement isn’t just about closing a chapter — it’s about opening a new book. Whoever steps into that ring with him last will carry the torch, whether they know it yet or not.”
The ongoing buzz around this tournament and Cena’s farewell tour highlights WWE’s blend of respect for its past legends and dedication to building the future.
Stay tuned to WWE news outlets as the tournament unfolds, with updates on matchups, outcomes, and backstage developments as the wrestling world prepares for a historic goodbye to the 17-time World Champion, John Cena.