John Cena is leaving, but not with the opponent everyone expected—and he won’t choose who it is

John Cena is writing the final chapters of a career that shaped generations in WWE. With only eight appearances left before his official retirement on December 13 in Boston, the 16-time world champion has already begun his farewell tour. And it’s not just about speeches—it’s about symbolic gestures that speak louder than any promo. At Clash in Paris, Cena defeated Logan Paul, but what truly stood out was his use of the “Styles Clash,” a move famously associated with AJ Styles. Was it a tease? A challenge? Not at all. It was a tribute.

According to Athlon Sports, John Cena explained that he won’t be able to face every wrestler who impacted his journey. That’s why he’s chosen to honor some of them by incorporating their signature moves into his matches. “It’s my way of saying thank you,” he said after the event. His nod to Styles, far from hinting at a future match, seems to shut that door entirely. Cena made it clear: he won’t personally pick his final opponent. “I’ve never operated that way. I’ve always done what I’m asked to do,” he stated during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Clear strategy

This humble and professional approach isn’t new for John Cena. Throughout his career, he’s been the face of WWE—but also its backbone. His goal to leave the company “better than he found it” isn’t just a farewell slogan. It’s a clear strategy: use his final run to elevate other talent. In Paris, along with the tribute to Styles, he also executed Baron Corbin’s “End of Days.” Another respectful nod to those who’ve shared the ring with him.

John Cena insinuates that AJ Styles will not be one of his final opponents, and that is why he paid homage to him by doing a Styles Clash tonight.#WWEClash

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— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) August 31, 2025

While fans speculate about his last opponent, reports point to Gunther as the frontrunner. The current World Heavyweight Champion already retired Goldberg earlier this year. WWE is reportedly considering cementing Gunther’s dominance with a win over John Cena. WRKD Wrestling is among the outlets backing this possibility, and the narrative seems to fit. Gunther represents the new era, while Cena embodies the legacy.

John Cena’s farewell won’t be a nostalgic clash. Analysts believe it’ll be a passing of the torch. No rematch with Styles, no unfinished business. Just respect, legacy, and one final ovation. And it’s clear that Cena doesn’t need to be the main event to steal the show. His retirement will be an act of generosity, not ego. And in the world of wrestling, that’s rarer than a “You Can’t See Me” in slow motion.