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John Cena Hints at WWE Opponent He Won’t Face in Final Match

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 6:22 AM ET

John Cena addressed his future after WWE Clash in Paris, making it clear that a long-rumored showdown with one of the biggest superstars in the promo is not in the cards for his final match.

During his fight against Logan Paul on Sunday, Cena hit a Styles Clash in tribute to his longtime rival, AJ Styles, although Paul broke the count at two.

Once Cena claimed victory over Paul, during the post-show interview, he explained why he borrowed the move from Styles while insinuating he won't face AJ on his Dec. 13 finale.

“I’ve had a lot of opponents over the years, and with eight appearances left, I know I’m not going be able to wrestle everybody who’s influential in my career,” Cena said. “But I think you saw tonight the best way I can say thank you to some of those people who have affected my career, kinda pay homage by taking some stuff and doing stuff I don’t normally do out there.

“I gotta shout out AJ.”

John Cena insinuates that AJ Styles will not be one of his final opponents, and that is why he paid homage to him by doing a Styles Clash tonight.#WWEClash

pic.twitter.com/SdFmVraRgl
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) August 31, 2025

The homage appeared to signal that WWE does not plan to book Cena against Styles before the end of his career, and Cena pretty much said the same thing during his post-event comments.

Cena, who has eight dates left before retiring mid-December in Boston, also used Baron Corbin’s End of Days during the Paris contest as part of his particular way of saying farewell to the fighters that helped shape his career.

John Cena, Open to WWE's Choice for Final Opponent

While speculation has swirled around who will face him in his final match, Cena has insisted that the decision will not be his.

Appearing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Cena rejected the idea of hand-picking his last opponent, claiming to be "cool" with whoever opponent the promotion hands him.

“No, no. I’ve never operated like that,” Cena said. “I’ve just always kind of been reliable, showing up, and doing whatever I’m asked. I want this tour to be special for the business. My goal has always been to leave WWE better than I found it.

"So, whoever they deem appropriate to get that energy, man, I’m cool with that.”

A report from WRKD Wrestling suggested Gunther is the leading candidate to face Cena in his final match, with WWE looking to elevate the reigning World Heavyweight Champion after he already retired Goldberg earlier this summer.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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