Only a few precious matches remain on John Cena’s Retirement Tour. A rumor recently emerged claiming that his final opponent would be determined in a gauntlet match.
If WWE is going to use a gauntlet match to determine his final adversary, that means the match will likely consist of six stars. The field dwindles a bit, however, if officials stick to RAW wrestlers for the rumored contest.
If that’s the case, the next six WWE performers will likely compete in the gauntlet to determine John Cena’s final opponent.
#6. Paul Heyman’s handpicked star
If officials want to push a future star to the moon by facing John Cena in his last match, the perfect example would be Bron Breakker.
He’s already been positioned as a major player for the future as a member of the Vision with Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman. He competed in a prior gauntlet match this year, but fell short.
If things fall apart within the Vision, entering and potentially winning a rumored gauntlet would be a good way for Breakker to rebound and regain momentum.
#5. LA Knight gets a prominent spot
WWE could opt to use stars with connections to John Cena in one of two ways. They could go the route with Bron Breakker and have Cena put over a future star, much like Kurt Angle did for Cena when he debuted.
The other route is to utilize stars with whom Cena has a history. He teamed with LA Knight to battle the Bloodline two years ago.
The two never squared off one-on-one, but would have a great promo battle. Knight has also been featured atop RAW since moving to Monday nights, so being involved in the gauntlet match would line up with his usage.
#4. Jey Uso crosses paths with John Cena
If officials really want to play on recent history, they could opt to have Jey Uso enter and possibly win the gauntlet and face John Cena.
The Yeet Master and Cena were the final two entrants in the 2025 Royal Rumble. It forced Cena to enter the Elimination Chamber match and eventually turn heel.
The interesting part would be if Cena’s final bout would be used to turn Jey heel. He’s adopted more of a villainous and selfish streak thanks to the guidance of his cousin, Roman Reigns.
#3. Sheamus revisits his history with a rival
One star who hasn’t faced Cena yet has a great history with him, is Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior won his first world title by defeating The Leader of Cenation.
Sheamus hasn’t been on RAW much lately, as he hasn’t factored into creative plans for Clash in Paris or Crown Jewel.
While he seeks the elusive Intercontinental Championship missing from his trophy case, one final encounter with one of his greatest rivals would be a good consolation prize.
#2. Rusev gains redemption
Sheamus isn’t the only rival from Cena’s past that could be used in a potential gauntlet. Rusev was on fire as the United States Champion until he faced John Cena.
Some fans argue that the Bulgarian Brute lost all his momentum after crossing paths with the 17-time champ.
Since he’s returned to WWE and Cena is retiring, officials could give Rusev the rub by having him face and potentially defeat Cena in his final match.
#1. Gunther resumes his spot atop WWE
Gunther is the star rumored to be getting the honor of facing John Cena in his last match ever. The Ring General is the prototypical foreign heel that John Cena used to fight during the earlier stages of his career.
He’s also a former World Heavyweight Champion and longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion. Gunther had a tough year, losing the World Heavyweight title twice.
Beating John Cena in the WWE Legend’s final match could be a way to help repair some of the damage done to his mystique.
Read the full article here
