As John Cena’s final WWE match approaches, former SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long has thrown a major name into the ring—suggesting that Brock Lesnar should be the one to face Cena for his farewell bout. This proposal comes amid mixed reactions to the current tournament format WWE is using to determine Cena’s final opponent, a format some insiders feel lacks the emotional build needed for such a landmark moment.
The Build-Up to John Cena’s Farewell Match
Scheduled for December 13, 2025, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., John Cena’s final match marks the end of an era in WWE. Cena recently made a heartfelt appearance on Raw in Boston—his hometown—where he captured the Intercontinental Championship, adding more emotional weight to his farewell journey[1][3]. Throughout his career, Cena has been a cornerstone of WWE, and fans have been eagerly awaiting his last chapter in the squared circle.
However, WWE’s decision to use a tournament to determine Cena’s final adversary has drawn some criticism. On the “Road Trip After Hours” podcast, host Mac Davis voiced disappointment, stating the tournament lacks the storytelling and drama fitting for Cena’s send-off[Reference Summary]. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among fans and analysts who want a bigger, more meaningful crescendo to Cena’s legendary career.
Teddy Long Pitches Brock Lesnar as The Perfect Final Opponent
According to sources close to WWE management and former SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long’s recent comments, Long believes Brock Lesnar would be the ideal choice to face John Cena in his last match. Lesnar, known for being one of the most physically dominant and high-profile superstars in WWE history, commands instant attention and respect in the ring.
A WWE insider noted, “Teddy thinks Brock vs. Cena creates the perfect storm—a high stakes, high-impact showdown that Cena deserves as his final bow. It taps into decades of both competition and mutual respect, making it the storyline that would truly resonate with fans.”
The logic behind this pitch is clear: Brock Lesnar’s presence ensures a match with intensity, significance, and a credible threat level. Both wrestlers represent two titans of different WWE eras, and such a clash would befit Cena’s illustrious career. Lesnar’s sporadic but highly impactful appearances in WWE mirror the grandeur that Cena’s farewell requires.
Why the Tournament Format is Falling Short
The tournament currently underway is producing some compelling in-ring action—highlighting stars like Sheamus, Rusev, and others—but critics argue it feels like an afterthought. Mac Davis, commenting on the podcast, lamented, “It’s a tournament with no true narrative or emotion linking it. For Cena’s final match, WWE owes the fans and Cena a storyline with legacy, passion, and history, not just a bracket”[Reference Summary].
Adding to that, Cena’s recent emotional appearances—especially in Boston—have underscored the importance of making his farewell as memorable as possible. Fans expect a marquee matchup that reflects Cena’s impact in WWE over nearly two decades.
The Emotional Weight Behind Cena’s Farewell
Cena’s farewell tour has included moments that tug on heartstrings, notably his recent victory in Boston where he won the Intercontinental Championship and expressed raw emotion about his career milestones and losses, such as the one at WrestleMania 31 he still reflects on as his biggest defeat[1]. This farewell has been about more than just a match; it’s a celebration of a WWE legend coming full circle.
Fans appreciate Cena’s humility and respect for the business, and the hope is that the final match encapsulates that journey. Facing Brock Lesnar, a character who represents some of the fiercest competition Cena has ever faced, would symbolize both an ending and a tribute—the ultimate test on a grand WWE stage.
What This Could Mean for WWE’s Future Storytelling
If the company takes Teddy Long’s advice and chooses Brock Lesnar as Cena’s final opponent, it could set a precedent for how to book legacy send-offs moving forward. As WWE looks ahead, it can learn from the mixed reactions to the current tournament format and build more organic storylines that resonate deeply with fans.
A WWE creative team member, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared, “We want Cena’s farewell to feel like an event—not just a match. Having Lesnar as the opponent would bring instant attention and respect. It’s a win-win for storytelling and ratings alike.”
Conclusion: A Legendary Farewell in the Making?
John Cena’s final night in the ring is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about moments in WWE history. Teddy Long’s pitch for Brock Lesnar offers a compelling alternative to the ongoing tournament storyline, promising a highly emotional and electrifying showdown worthy of Cena’s legacy.
As December 13 draws near, WWE fans worldwide wait eagerly to see who will stand across from Cena one last time. Whether the company embraces Long’s suggestion or sticks with the tournament winner, the spotlight on Cena’s final match remains intense—and deservedly so.
This article incorporates insights from Mac Davis’s recent podcast remarks and WWE’s latest event coverage, alongside backstage voices advocating for the best possible send-off for John Cena.