RVD Claims He Almost Faced John Cena on His Final Tour Until a Brutal Injury Wrecked the Plans'

Rob Van Dam has revealed inside details that suggest he came astonishingly close to stepping back into the squared circle against John Cena during Cena’s high-profile retirement tour. Wrestling fans could have witnessed one last dream match between two icons before the matchup fell apart in tragic fashion. 

The abrupt collapse of plans came when RVD suffered a freak double heel fracture earlier this year. What follows is a breakdown of how near the clash came, why it mattered, and what the injury means for both men.

RVD Almost Locked in for Cena’s Farewell Tour

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam opened up about serious talks with WWE to face John Cena during what is expected to be Cena’s final road through the promotion. While appearing on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast, RVD confirmed there was real momentum to put him back in the ring opposite Cena. “I wanted to be one of the return matches for John Cena on his retirement tour. 

I was talking to them. There was a lot of interest. Without giving away too many details, you know, we were probably going to do it,” he explained before revealing everything turned on its head when he broke his heels.

Coverage by Yardbarker, quoting The Sportster, confirms that WWE had substantial interest and discussions were underway until RVD’s April injury stripped the potential matchup of all momentum.

Additional coverage from 411mania reiterates that RVD fractured both his heels wrestling in MLW’s Battle Riot VII match earlier this year, effectively sidelining him and ending the possibility of a blockbuster clash.

Injury at MLW Battle Riot VII Brings It All to a Halt

The pivotal moment came at MLW’s Battle Riot VII event in April. RVD entered the 40-man Battle Riot match, where the winner earns a future shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. The match played out with high stakes and wild spots until RVD fractured both heels in what remains a jarring setback.

Injury of this nature carries grim rehabilitation timelines. Double heel fractures require extended recovery, casting serious doubts on RVD’s availability even for future events. The timing could not have been worse. The injury not only derailed the budding Cena rematch but may delay RVD’s return to major ring action by months or even longer.

Why This Match Could Have Been Monumental