It’s not very often we talk about wrestling in a sense of “how the sausage is made” - by that, I mean we try to keep kayfabe alive. You get enough of that online, and the WWE even made a Netflix series about it.
But sometimes a good old-fashioned fantasy booking scenario is something that every wrestling fan undertakes, and certainly, given that John Cena’s final match is scheduled to take place at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 in Washington, D.C., now seems like one of those times to slip behind the ringside curtain.
A tournament has been announced by Cena, in which the victor will “earn” the right to face him as his final opponent, kicking off on the November 10 edition of Raw, the retiring superstar even said that some names might not even be part of the company. Take that what you will.
Because we sure have, and included two “outsiders” in our list of 9 potential opponents who could face the record-breaking WWE champion, and get that all-important “rub” either in victory or in defeat.
1. Chris Jericho
This is one of two fantasy scenarios: Jericho, recently entrenched as a high-profile heel in AEW, has a legendary career full of surprise invasions and calculated betrayals. What better way for him to establish himself for one final run in WWE than by invading the sacred territory of Cena's retirement? A ruthless attack and a cheap victory over the hero would generate unparalleled heel heat, providing a shocking, unpredictable end to Cena's career and setting Jericho up as the top scumbag villain upon his return. | Getty Images
2. Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley is arguably one of the most dominant and culturally significant female superstars since the Attitude Era. If WWE wants to position her as a modern-day Chyna—a generational talent who stands above gender divides—a deep run in a tournament to face Cena would be the ultimate statement. Even if Cena were to win, Ripley fighting the "Face of the Company" toe-to-toe would do wonders for her credibility, cementing her status as a threat to any competitor heading into the Royal Rumble. | Getty Images
3. Dominik Mysterio
Dominik Mysterio is the best pure heel in the company right now, soaking up heat with every breath. The talk of him defending his Intercontinental Championship against Cena before the retirement match shows the narrative is already primed. A final match against Cena is the ultimate, straightforward story: the hero defending the company's integrity against the ungrateful, entitled young villain. While he might not need to win the match, the "rub" of being the final opponent to the 16-time World Champion would solidify Dom as a main-event presence for years to come. | Elsa/Getty Images
4. Sheamus
Sheamus and John Cena have a history defined by intense physicality, strong in-ring chemistry, and genuine animosity dating back over a decade. While their rivalry often took a backseat to Orton and Edge, Sheamus remains a high-profile veteran who guarantees a stiff, highly dramatic match. This would be a perfect opportunity for two aging warhorses to have one final, definitive blow-off match, emphasizing respect and hard-hitting action as the true conclusion to Cena’s veteran run. | Getty Images
5. Randy Orton
The final confrontation between the two definitive stars of their generation. Randy Orton is the only superstar whose career and accolades truly match Cena's own. This match requires no storyline—it is the final chapter, the natural conclusion to their 20-year saga. While Orton doesn't "need the rub," this is the most emotionally resonant and safest choice, representing the final, respectful stand between the two greatest rivals of the 2000s and 2010s. | Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
6. Edge/Adam Copeland
The rivalry between Edge and John Cena defined the entire Ruthless Aggression Era. Their chemistry was electric, their moments iconic, and their matches often stole the show. With Cena hinting that his final opponent could be someone outside the current WWE roster, the door is slightly ajar for Edge to return for one final night. This match isn't about building the future; it's about providing closure on the single most defining, era-spanning rivalry of Cena's career. | Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images