4-time champion should’ve been John Cena’s final-ever opponent instead of Gunther, according to ex-WWE star

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However, the management went with the two-time World Heavyweight Champion when he won the tournament and defeated LA Knight. After the show, Tom Pestock, fka Baron Corbin, tweeted on X/Twitter that the two-time North American, one-time NXT, and one-time NXT Cruiserweight Champion, Carmelo Hayes, would’ve been a better pick.

“I would have like to see [Carmelo Hayes] Melo,” Pestock tweeted on X.

Carmelo Hayes was in ‘The Last Time is Now’ tournament and lost to Gunther. While the management is getting used to the blue brand, Hayes might have gotten more support from wrestling veterans and fans as John Cena’s last-ever opponent.

John Cena’s father wasn’t happy with WWE’s pick

WWE had months to plan John Cena’s retirement tour, as The Franchise Player announced in 2024 that he would retire next year. After a few hiccups, the management got back on track with the Never Seen Seventeen’s final run in the promotion as a performer.

However, multiple reports claimed that the company had locked Gunther as John Cena’s final-ever opponent in December at Saturday Night’s Main Event. While many weren’t happy about it, John Cena Sr. also had his reservations and gave his take on the potential pick.

Speaking on the All Axxess podcast, the wrestling veteran stated that the two-time World Heavyweight and one-time Intercontinental Champion didn’t need to be his son’s final opponent. Moreover, he added that a younger star or a rising star in the business should’ve been John Cena’s final-ever opponent in the company.

While many agreed with John Cena Sr.’s take, The Ring General has won the tournament and earned the right to face John Cena in Washington at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.