Triple H sets the stage for John Cena ’s final showdown with an unexpected rival

John Cena is about to close the curtain on a career that shaped generations in WWE. His retirement is scheduled for December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Now, the 17-time world champion is gearing up for a farewell tour packed with emotion, nostalgia, and, of course, high-stakes matches. At the same time, Triple H may have said more than he intended—and might have dropped a hint about Cena’s final opponent.

Two major matchups are already confirmed. One pits John Cena against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris. The other, highly likely, is a showdown with Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza. But the real mystery revolves around who will be Cena’s last rival—the one to close out an era. According to a report by Sportskeeda, Triple H may have quietly pointed toward a surprising name: Drew McIntyre.

Potential contenders

During the latest episode of SmackDown, John Cena listed several superstars he’d like to face before retiring. Among them were AJ Styles and Dominik Mysterio. But it was a backstage moment that raised eyebrows. After a tense exchange between Cena and Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre appeared and dropped a loaded line: “This isn’t the Super Cena from 2010, this is the Hollywood version.” For many fans, that wasn’t just a throwaway comment—it felt like the beginning of a storyline that could peak in December.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Drew McIntyre (@dmcintyrewwe)

McIntyre, currently tangled in feuds with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, might be free just in time for John Cena’s final event. His profile fits the bill: imposing physique, ring credibility, and a heel evolution that’s made him a top-tier figure. With Gunther sidelined due to a nasal injury sustained against CM Punk at SummerSlam, the path looks clear. The Scottish Warrior could very well step into the role many thought was reserved for the “Ring General.”

Master of the show

Triple H, as WWE’s chief creative officer, is a master at crafting layered, symbolic narratives. If Drew McIntyre is indeed the chosen one for John Cena’s final match. It would be an epic clash—one loaded with meaning. It would mark the passing of the torch between two generations. A true end-of-an-era moment, and a defining push for a superstar who’s long hovered on the edge of megastardom.

Drew is 100% Cena’s final opponent. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Y8bzXidgYy

— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) August 22, 2025

The countdown has begun. John Cena has only a handful of matches left, and each one adds another piece to the puzzle of his legacy. The last one, without question, will be the most important. And if Triple H has already made that move, the WWE universe is about to witness a showdown that will be etched in history.