As John Cena approaches the final chapter of his storied WWE career, the wrestling world watches closely how the 16-time world champion caps off an era. WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently shared his thoughts on Cena’s retirement run and offered his take on who Cena’s last in-ring adversary could be insights that reignite fan speculation about one of wrestling’s most iconic finales.
Rikishi’s Take on John Cena’s Retirement Run
Rikishi, a respected legend in WWE, praised Cena’s approach to his retirement run, emphasizing the class and dedication Cena has shown throughout this period. According to Rikishi, Cena has demonstrated a perfect blend of honoring his legacy while elevating younger talent during this farewell tour. He described Cena’s Royal Rumble performance — where he impressively placed second in 2025 as a symbolic passing of the torch moment, reinforcing Cena’s willingness to share the spotlight as he prepares to step away from active competition.
“John’s retirement run is exactly what a legend like him should do: compete with heart, lift up emerging stars, and leave the fans with unforgettable memories,” Rikishi noted in a recent interview. “He’s not just saying goodbye; he’s putting on a show that reminds everyone why he’s one of the all-time greats.” This perspective aligns with Cena’s longstanding reputation for professionalism and for working hard in the ring, even as his physical prime has passed.
The Speculation Around Cena’s Final Opponent
One of the most hotly debated topics among WWE fans and insiders is who Cena’s final opponent will be in his last match scheduled for December 13, 2025, at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. Rikishi weighed in on this by suggesting that Cena’s farewell bout should be against someone who not only challenges him in the ring but also resonates deeply with WWE fans and the company’s current direction.
A credible insider close to WWE creative reveals there have been strong considerations for Cena to capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship in the lead-up to his retirement. This would set the stage for a climactic final match against the reigning Intercontinental Champion Gunther, who holds the distinction of the longest-reigning IC titleholder in WWE history[1].
“This potential Cena vs. Gunther showdown fits perfectly,” Rikishi remarked. “Gunther is a dominant force and represents the future, while Cena embodies the past and present. That contrast would create a high-stakes, meaningful farewell battle.”
Details on Cena’s Remaining Schedule and Title Run
Sources confirm that Cena’s retirement shows have been meticulously planned. His tour includes major stops in cities rich with WWE history, such as Boston, New York, and notably Survivor Series in San Diego. The Survivor Series match may see Cena face “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio, the current Intercontinental Champion, in a bout that touches on family legacy and star power before Cena potentially moves to challenge Gunther for the title[1].
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that these plans to have Cena hold the IC title briefly are still in flux but are viewed as a fitting capstone to his career. Whether Cena will actually win the belt remains uncertain, but it is expected that the creative team wants to give Cena one last championship moment before he retires.
Cena’s Earlier Matches Prove He Can Still Deliver
Despite the inevitable physical toll of an almost three-decade career, John Cena has consistently shown he can still perform at a high level in the ring. Critics who once questioned Cena’s in-ring ability have increasingly acknowledged his adaptability and commitment to delivering entertaining performances—even in his later years.
A retrospective look at Cena’s matches reveals a competitor who can adjust style to any opponent, blending charisma and athleticism. His farewell run is seen as a testament to this enduring talent, with fans and analysts alike expecting several standout matches before his curtain call[2].
Backstage Sentiment on Cena’s Departure
According to a WWE insider, backstage sentiment about Cena’s upcoming retirement is a mixture of respect, admiration, and bittersweet reflection. “Everyone knows that Cena’s been a cornerstone of WWE for nearly 20 years. There’s a lot of emotion but also excitement for what’s next, both for him and the company,” the source says. “WWE is pushing hard to make sure his send-off is spectacular and feels like a real celebration of his legacy.”
Rumors also suggest that Cena will remain closely involved with WWE outside the ring, transitioning into an ambassadorial role focused on mentoring younger talent and representing the brand in various media ventures, similar to his past contributions.
Looking Ahead: What Cena’s Farewell Means for WWE
John Cena’s retirement signals the end of an era but also a transition point for WWE as new stars step forward to fill the void. While legends like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Cody Rhodes currently lead the roster, Cena’s farewell matches and final storyline decisions will likely influence WWE’s future booking strategies and fan engagement methods.
The possibility of Cena facing Gunther in his final match encapsulates the narrative shift from Cena’s generation to the present and upcoming talent. It’s a story many wrestling fans hope will be told with the gravitas it deserves.
John Cena is set to sail into the sunset with dignity, purpose, and a focus on the fans who have supported him for decades. As Rikishi aptly summarized, “If you want to know what a true WWE legend looks like, just watch John Cena’s last run. It’s nothing short of spectacular.”
With the final matches shaping up as a mix of emotional farewells and competitive bouts, Cena’s retirement promises to be one of WWE’s most memorable send-offs. The wrestling world waits with bated breath for December 13, when “The Champ” will finally lay down his jorts for good.