WWE has officially unveiled plans for a special 16-man tournament designed to determine the final opponent for the legendary John Cena in his retirement match. This groundbreaking event was announced during the recent episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event in Salt Lake City on November 1, setting the stage for an exciting road to Cena’s last bout scheduled for December 13, 2025[1][4].
The Road to Cena’s Retirement Match Begins
John Cena, who has been a cornerstone of professional wrestling for over 26 years, is set to conclude his storied in-ring career later this year. His retirement tour began earlier in 2025, with fans eagerly anticipating how the WWE universe will bid farewell to one of its biggest stars.
During Saturday Night’s Main Event, a heartfelt video package aired that not only celebrated Cena’s career but also detailed the unique process to crown his final challenger. Cena himself expressed a desire for his last opponent to be someone ready to “step up and seize the opportunity”, echoing how he earned his own big breaks in the industry. The tournament will begin November 10 on Monday Night Raw in Cena’s hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, making it a special homecoming of sorts for the WWE icon[1].
Tournament Format and Participants
The tournament is a 16-man knockout style competition featuring a blend of WWE’s current top names from Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, and NXT. In a surprise twist, WWE hinted that there could also be inclusion of “maybe” non-WWE talent—a rare move that could bring fresh intrigue and unpredictability to the event.
This cross-brand and potentially cross-promotion approach elevates the stakes as stars from varying rosters and backgrounds vie for this historic opportunity. Matches will take place weekly leading up to the retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13[1].
Potential Opponents and Fan Reactions
While the tournament’s lineup is not yet fully revealed, speculation is rife among fans and insiders. A report by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter revealed that John Cena is tentatively slated to face Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series on November 29, with the possibility of facing Gunther in his retirement match after that, should Cena win the Intercontinental Championship from Mysterio[2].
However, some wrestling analysts suggest that Gunther might not be the ideal “final opponent” for Cena. Critics argue Gunther’s momentum has cooled in 2025, and he has already served as a “retirement rite” for other legends, which might undercut the significance of Cena’s last match[3]. This debate adds an extra layer of anticipation around who will ultimately emerge victorious in the tournament.
WWE’s Strategic Move: Blending Tradition with Innovation
This tournament concept is a strategic shift for WWE, blending its rich tradition with an innovative tournament format that includes talent across multiple rosters and possibly from outside WWE. According to a WWE insider, “This tournament isn’t just about finding a challenger, it’s about giving opportunity and spotlighting talent in a unique way that aligns with Cena’s legacy of hard work and opportunity.”
This inclusive format also reflects WWE’s evolving approach to storytelling, seeking to build suspense organically while creating fresh matchups that could captivate both long-time fans and newer audiences[4].
What’s Next: Schedule Leading to Cena’s Final Match
The tournament kicks off November 10 on Monday Night Raw in Boston, with matches to follow on flagship WWE shows including Raw and SmackDown. The journey will culminate at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII on December 13, the stage designated for Cena’s farewell.
Moreover, Cena will make further appearances including the week’s Raw in New York City after the tournament begins, intensifying the excitement leading to his final showdown[2].
Backstage Buzz
Sources close to the WWE locker room revealed that the tournament competitors are highly motivated, viewing this as an historic chance to challenge a living legend. One WWE talent confided, “Stepping into the ring against Cena for his final match is the kind of opportunity every wrestler dreams of. The tournament is fierce because everyone knows what’s at stake.”
Industry insiders also hint that WWE is investing heavily in producing the tournament, expecting it to gain significant ratings and social media engagement, as fans worldwide tune in to witness the passing of the torch[4].
Final Thoughts
John Cena’s final match promises to be one of the most significant in recent WWE history, not only because it marks the end of an era but also due to the unprecedented route WWE is taking to select his last opponent. By featuring a broad spectrum of talent and potentially non-WWE stars, the tournament adds a fresh twist to the traditional retirement match ceremony.
As the tournament commences on November 10, fans will get to see who can truly rise to the occasion and etch their name alongside Cena’s legendary career. The countdown to the final bell at Saturday Night’s Main Event is now officially underway.