John Cena had only one match in 2022 when he teamed up with Kevin Owens on the December 30 episode of WWE SmackDown to take on Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns. Before that, Cena’s last match came in September 2021 in a loss to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam. Despite opening the WrestleMania 39 proceedings in April this year against Austin Theory, it seems clear from his schedule that Cena is far from having a prolonged stay in WWE.
Combining this with his recent comments that his body is no longer able to sustain wrestling and that he doesn’t want to give the consumer a bad product, it seems certain that the 46-year-old’s days in the ring are numbered. “I wish I was still there every day, it’s just my body can’t do it anymore, and I don’t wanna give the consumer a bad product,” Cena said.
John Cena says his body can’t keep up with WWE pic.twitter.com/3kHBktcmT1
— WrestlingWorldCC (@WrestlingWCC) May 17, 2023
Cena could have the option of facing a plethora of talents during his retirement bout. Whether the heartbreaking announcement comes this year or next, a lot of stars could benefit from being the final person to face John Cena, which could help propel their careers. Much like Austin Theory’s victory, a win over The Cenation Leader is an accolade in itself. It is one to boast about for the rest of anyone’s career, and it would make sense for up-and-coming talent to beat the former world champion.
John Cena could have several options for his final WWE match
One of the stars who instantly comes to mind when one talks about John Cena’s retirement match is Carmelo Hayes. The current NXT Champion is in many ways similar to Cena with his promo skills and in-ring prowess. Hayes has exceptional mic skills and is also on course to have a marvelous career in the sports entertainment juggernaut.
Another superstar who is certain to make waves in the company is Grayson Waller. The Aussie is exceptionally charismatic and makes for fun matches. His presence has been so profound that Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, who is the head booker of WWE NXT, also decided to give him a push and feud with him, although not in a match.
It should also be noted that Cena currently holds 16 world titles. A final match pitting John Cena against a world title could be a profound ending. He could end with 16 world titles and decide not to overtake the legendary Ric Flair. However, he could also win the title and relinquish it in a few days in a kayfabe angle.
One final challenge for Cena could come in the form of arguably his biggest rival, fellow OVW graduate Randy Orton. It has also recently come to light that Orton’s doctors have advised him not to return to the ring again. In that case, one final match between a retiring Orton and Cena and then subsequent Hall of Fame inductions could not only set the wrestling world abuzz but also serve as a perfect tearjerker moment.