WWE announces grand tournament to crown John Cena’s final opponent

The wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation as WWE has officially announced a massive 16-man tournament to decide who will face John Cena in the final match of his legendary career. After more than two decades at the top, Cena is preparing to step into the ring one last time — and his farewell bout is shaping up to be one of the most monumental moments in WWE history.

John Cena’s final chapter begins

Cena’s retirement tour, which began in January 2025, is drawing to a close with an emotional farewell scheduled for December 13th at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. The 16-time World Champion will officially bring his 26-year journey to an end, but before he says goodbye, WWE is giving fans one unforgettable storyline — a quest to determine who’s worthy of sharing the ring with the icon.

During the November 1st edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, a powerful video package was aired chronicling Cena’s remarkable career and announcing the start of the tournament. John Cena addressed the WWE Universe with a heartfelt message, expressing his desire to face someone who mirrors the drive and hunger he once had when he burst onto the scene.

“I want my final opponent to be whoever is ready to step up and seize the opportunity like I did when I was given my first shot,” Cena said.

Tournament details revealed

The 16-man tournament is set to kick off on November 10th during Monday Night Raw, live from Cena’s hometown of Boston, Massachusetts — a fitting location for the beginning of this career-defining contest.

What makes this tournament even more exciting is its diversity. According to Cena, participants will come from across WWE’s biggest brands — Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, and NXT — ensuring a blend of seasoned veterans and rising superstars competing for the honor. He even teased that “maybe” a few competitors from outside WWE might enter the mix, fueling speculation about potential shocking returns or surprise debuts.

John Cena’s impending retirement marks the end of one of the most storied careers in professional wrestling history. From his “Doctor of Thuganomics” days to his reign as WWE’s ultimate face, Cena has left an indelible mark on the sport. His final match isn’t just about saying goodbye — it’s about passing the torch to the next generation.