John Cena’s farewell tour appears to be entering its most ambitious phase yet, with WWE reportedly crafting a unique spotlight for the legendary superstar at Survivor Series 2025. Set for November 29 in San Diego, California, this event could feature John Cena in a way fans never expected during his final run, but recent insider reports suggest surprises that could reshape Cena’s WWE sendoff.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour: Bigger Than Ever?
John Cena announced his retirement tour earlier this year, and with only a few appearances left, anticipation has been building about how WWE plans to honor his storied career. Originally, fans speculated that Cena might headline Survivor Series in a high-profile championship match—possibly against young star Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship[1][4]. This would have marked a significant achievement for Cena, as he has famously never held the IC title during his career.
However, reports now indicate that WWE may have shifted creative directions. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, plans for a Cena versus Dominik Mysterio title match appear to have been scrapped in favor of a fresh rivalry focusing on the Mysterio family itself, with Rey Mysterio returning to confront his son Dominik. This storyline is envisioned to play out in San Diego, a city with a deep connection to the Mysterios, promising a passionate audience reaction[1].
A WWE insider shared with Ringside News, “The focus is really turning towards a Mysterio family saga at Survivor Series, with Cena playing a different role behind the scenes. They want to give the younger stars their time, while Cena’s farewell becomes more symbolic than competitive.”[6]
Could John Cena Compete in WarGames?
Another intriguing rumor is that WWE might feature Cena in this year’s WarGames event format within Survivor Series. The WarGames match — a brutal, multi-man cage contest — would be a novel and fitting chapter for Cena’s final WWE PLE (Premium Live Event). Rumors highlight a possible involvement on either Team CM Punk or Team The Vision, continuing ongoing rivalries that have captivated WWE audiences this year[2][6].
John Cena himself has been vocal on social media about his retirement match tournament, which started earlier this month and will culminate in a final opponent for Cena to face at his career sendoff. The tournament includes WWE stars from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even free agents, adding a layer of unpredictability to who could ultimately face Cena. His appearances at upcoming Raw episodes in Boston and other cities are expected to build further hype for this legendary farewell[3].
Potential Matchups Beyond the Expected
The original assumption that Cena’s last big match would be for the Intercontinental Championship might give way to something broader. A possible scenario includes a fatal four-way with Dominik Mysterio, Rey Mysterio, and Finn Balor, another talented competitor who has clashed with Cena’s legacy before. Such a contest could elevate the storytelling around Cena’s goodbye, making it less about a title and more a symbolic passing of the torch among WWE’s next wave[4].
Sources close to WWE creative note that “John’s farewell story arc is designed to put over younger stars while giving fans meaningful moments with legends. Cena dropping the title picture doesn’t mean he’s fading; it means the company trusts him to sell the future of the product.”[4]
A Potential Cena vs. Brock Lesnar Showdown?
Adding to the intrigue, there is still speculation about Cena possibly facing Brock Lesnar again in his farewell stretch. Though Lesnar’s attack on Cena last summer remains unexplained in narrative terms, it has set the stage for a potential rematch. The involvement of The Rock as a looming presence watching the conflict unfold could provide WWE with a major star-studded finale for Cena’s time in the ring[5].
This scenario would contrast the family-centric Mysterio storyline and WarGames team battles, giving Cena a climactic singles showdown before retirement. Such a match promises huge pay-per-view buy-in and media attention, making it an ideal capstone for Cena’s career.
Why WWE Might Be Changing the Plans
WWE’s reported pivot away from a Cena-Dominik title match toward a more layered narrative involving multiple stars and teams reflects an evolving strategy. With Rey Mysterio back in the fold, WWE seeks to maximize the emotional and fan-response impact at Survivor Series in San Diego, a city tied emotionally to the Mysterios.
Moreover, Cena’s retirement is not just a single match but a multi-month farewell designed to spotlight newer talents while honoring a wrestling icon. Sources within WWE’s creative team emphasize that “Cena’s retirement tour is about storytelling depth, legacy, and handing off the torch—not just one final big title match.”[6]
What Fans Should Expect Next
Fans should anticipate that Cena’s upcoming Raw appearances, particularly the tournament matches and possible WarGames team recruitments, will offer clues to his final storyline directions. Including free agents and NXT talent in his farewell tournament adds unpredictability, while generational rivalries between legends and rising stars add emotional stakes.
Considering WWE’s history of honoring Cena’s contributions with memorable moments, the Survivor Series event in San Diego could feature:
- A dramatic Mysterio family confrontation for the Intercontinental title
- John Cena participating in the men’s WarGames match alongside CM Punk and a reunited Bloodline faction
- A potential, highly anticipated rematch against Brock Lesnar under The Rock’s watchful eye
Each angle serves the dual purpose of giving Cena a fitting sendoff and elevating the next generation of WWE talent.
As the countdown to Survivor Series 2025 continues, WWE fans await official confirmations and match announcements. Behind the scenes, those close to the creative process maintain that Cena’s farewell journey remains the company’s top priority — delivering moments that balance nostalgia, excitement, and future potential.
“It’s a bittersweet chapter, but one WWE wants to get right,” shared a source familiar with the bookings. “Cena’s legacy is immense, and this tour will go down as one of the most thoughtfully planned farewells in wrestling history.”[6]