John Cena vs The Rock 'The Biggest' - WWE Star Pitches Thrice in a Lifetime at SNME

Cena has faced some of his greatest rivals on his Farewell Tour, including AJ Styles, whom he defeated in a classic at Crown Jewel last Saturday (October 11th). He has also battled it out with Randy Orton, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes, and has collided with modern-era stars such as Logan Paul.

The 48-year-old had started the year as a heel after shockingly turning on Rhodes at Elimination Chamber in February. He sold his soul to The Rock whom many expected to be an important factor in his villainous run.

The Rock was absent from WrestleMania 41 as Cena broke Ric Flair's record and became a 17-time world champion. He didn't feature during the heel run, which ultimately led the storyline to fall flat.

Damian Priest believes Rock would be the biggest possible opponent for Cena to retire against. The SmackDown star told Kairouz Bros:

"Go big, you know. Go the biggest you can right now. And who’s a bigger star on this planet than The Rock?"

The Rock has been busy in Hollywood and recently starred in a UFC biopic 'The Smashing Machine' which is now in theatres. The 53-year-old defended his Mania absence by insisting he wanted to keep the spotlight on Cena, his record-breaking win and his heel character.

The Final Boss hasn't appeared on WWE TV since and many don't expect him to do so even on the Road to WrestleMania 42. But there is a story to be told regarding a possible Cena-Rock match given their past history.

The legendary duo are tied at one apiece in their match catalogue following two matches at WrestleMania. Rock won their first battle, titled 'Once in a Lifetime', at WrestleMania 28, but Cena levelled the scores the following year and won the WWE Championship in a match that the People's Champion thought would be his last.

The Rock Joked He Has 'Influence' On John Cena's Final Match

It seems extremely unlikely that The Rock will be John Cena's final opponent in Washington, D.C. in December. Hollywood acting aside, there is no indication he has been preparing for a match, and he hasn't competed since WrestleMania 40 in April 2024.

Dwayne Johnson still teased a possible return for Cena's final farewell during an interview with the Kelce brothers on the New Heights podcast:

"You know, I have a tiny bit of influence in the booking of it, but it really is, it’s whoever John wants, whoever he wants, that should be your answer. Really what it comes down to. It’s not me, Nick Khan, or Triple H. That guy’s earned it, and you know what, the best part about John is, he comes as advertised so who you think he is, that’s who he is, and he’s a good dude, and I love that guy."

Cena is reportedly expected to face former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event. The Ring General has been absent since SummerSlam after undergoing nose surgery following a loss to CM Punk in the main event.