The John Cena retirement tour

[RedTwoster]

It’s a shame Edge is in AEW. If you’re talking about Cena’s all-time rivalries, he’d be high on that list. I’d love to see them wrestle one last time. 

Orton would be an underwhelming final opponent, but I would like to see them wrestle during his final run. If nothing else, it would feel appropriate. Punk’s an obvious choice too. 

Has Cena ever faced Drew McIntyre? I’d love to see them square up. Given how good McIntyre is these days, I could see that feeling like a big deal if it happens. Although he’s an arse, I’d like to see Logan Paul against Cena at some point.

As far as his final opponent goes, Roman Reigns would be my pick. It’s a shame they didn’t wrestle during Roman’s heel run, but it’s the only match that would feel like a blockbuster match at this stage, unless someone catches fire before then. 

[SaitoRyo]

2 minutes ago, RedTwoster said:

It’s a shame they didn’t wrestle during Roman’s heel run, but it’s the only match that would feel like a blockbuster match at this stage, unless someone catches fire before then. 

They did! Main event of SummerSlam 2021. It sort of got overshadowed because Brock returned in the post-match and they went right into him against Roman. 

[Vamp]

I wonder if they're having their cake and eating it a bit. Announce its Cena's last year and then later start a story where if Cena loses a match (or title) he has to retire. 

[RedTwoster]

6 minutes ago, SaitoRyo said:

They did! Main event of SummerSlam 2021. It sort of got overshadowed because Brock returned in the post-match and they went right into him against Roman. 

God, I have no recollection of that whatsoever, but I’m not even sure I was watching WWE at that point, there was a spell towards the end of McMahon’s tenure where I was only watching AEW, and only ventured over to WWE for the Rumble and Wrestlemania. I can’t believe I either missed or forgot about that, though. 

[SaitoRyo]

6 minutes ago, RedTwoster said:

God, I have no recollection of that whatsoever, but I’m not even sure I was watching WWE at that point, there was a spell towards the end of McMahon’s tenure where I was only watching AEW, and only ventured over to WWE for the Rumble and Wrestlemania. I can’t believe I either missed or forgot about that, though. 

It was a one-and-done with a one-month build, tbf. Cena returned at Money in the Bank, they did a few things on TV and then had their big stadium match. It was alright, from what I remember. About what you'd expect from Roman at the time.

[RedTwoster]

The more I think about it, the more I think that Cena’s last match should be against a heel. Maybe it’s the biased Scot in me, but I think Drew McIntyre could be a great choice. Who’d have thought McIntyre/Punk would become as anticipated as it was? With the right build - and WWE has a track record of getting big match build right these days - this could be just as anticipated. If you really want to raise the stakes, the match could determine whether or not Cena wins a World title one last time, before retiring and vacating the belt.

Kevin Owens would work for similar reasons - and it would be quite nice to see him hold the distinction of being the final opponent for John Cena and, potentially, Steve Austin. 

They could always build up Bron Breakker this year, to the point he feels like a good choice - but if you’re going to do that, he kind of has to go over.

And we’re definitely getting the R-Truth match at some point, or perhaps even a Truth/Cena tag title win.

Totally stream of consciousness this - but I’ve just realised that the New Day vs Cena/Truth for the tag belts could be great fun.

[wordsfromlee]

1 hour ago, RedTwoster said:

They could always build up Bron Breakker this year, to the point he feels like a good choice - but if you’re going to do that, he kind of has to go over.

I wouldn't hate this at all. I'd rather see him give someone the rub on his way out rather than him beat Orton or some part-time wrestler. It's not everyday you get the chance to pass the torch on a scale like this.

[Vamp]

I'm not sure anyone gains anything from beating Cena at this stage. 

He lost to Solo, Theory, Roman and Wyatt in his last 4 singles matches. He hasn't won a big televised singles match since 2018 against Triple H. 

You gain something from being in the ring with him. But it's not like he's the invincible hero anymore and I'd be surprised if he comes back as anything other than someone trying to keep up with the young guys for one last run. 

I know people get hung up on "doing the right thing for the business" but fuck it. Part of me thinks that Cena should win his last match to be honest. Whatever you think of him, there are endless amounts of testimonies from people who will tell you that Cena gave them the belief and strength to fight really shitty situations. Maybe that character can falter along the way but maybe it should win at the end. 

[d-d-d-dAz]

A byproduct of Cena being the actual best is, he can sell absolutely anything.

The angle this time seems to be 'I'm old, I've tried for a few years to come back for short stints and it doesn't work, so before I go I'm giving it one last proper swing to see what I can achieve, to see if I can be a Champion again'.

And, already, I'm like 'yep, biggest star in the world. Get the belt(s) on him.'

He's not always the best in the ring - though has been in far too many good matches with otherwise okay or bad wrestlers for it to be a coincidence - but fuck me he's the absolute best storyteller when he turns it on.

 

[DavidB6937]

Yeah it'll feel very much HBK last shot at Taker type deal but hopefully with a little less melodrama. Seeing the crowd fully behind him is quite the sight although it'll be interesting to see if that lasts depending on who he's against.

[air_raid]

15 hours ago, RedTwoster said:

Orton would be an underwhelming final opponent, but I would like to see them wrestle during his final run. If nothing else, it would feel appropriate.

This is the actual answer for me, and I usually get slated over it. Yes, they had lots of matches, and plenty of them were a bit crap. But those ended about 10 years ago, and the landscape is very different. It would feel completely different at the "twilight of their careers" stage. I really fancy a lot of "wink wink nudge nudge" callback spots and a final exchange of nearly-hitting finishers then going home in about 10 minutes between those two.

Would beat that shite with Theory they made him do.

[CL Punk]

So, does Cena win the 17th World Title at Mania and just defend it for the rest of 2025?

[BomberPat]

I think he set up a compelling story on RAW, by saying that the only ways to earn a title shot are the Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and Money In The Bank. I wonder if he falls short at the first two, and needs Money In The Bank for his last shot. Or wins the Rumble but loses the title match, then wins Money In The Bank, and names the date for his title match.

I don't think they should, but I wonder if they follow Sting's lead and have him retire as a champion - win Money In The Bank, have the title match on his final show, win the belt, then vacate it on RAW, or retire whichever of the two belts it is to go back to having just one World Title. Whenever he shows up after retirement, then they can stick with the "The Champ Is Here" catchphrase because he never lost it. 

[The King of Old School]

40 minutes ago, BomberPat said:

I don't think they should, but I wonder if they follow Sting's lead and have him retire as a champion - win Money In The Bank, have the title match on his final show, win the belt, then vacate it on RAW, or retire whichever of the two belts it is to go back to having just one World Title. Whenever he shows up after retirement, then they can stick with the "The Champ Is Here" catchphrase because he never lost it. 

Only thing with that scenario is are they not missing a chance to really put someone over by beating Cena in his last match?

I suppose in 2025 it doesn't really matter as much anymore?

[Lorne Malvo]

I always used to think if somebody is going out, they should lose on the way out to put somebody else over. But I've moved further and further away from that viewpoint in recent years and Stings retirement last year convinced me you should just let these guys have a happy ending.

I don't like John Cena at all but fuck it, let him win his last match.