Why Unique Match Pitch Could Be The Perfect John Cena Send-Off

Speaking on their show Off The Ropes, Coachman suggested a match format where Cena would face six or seven opponents back-to-back, each representing key moments or rivalries from his two-decade career. Nemeth loved the idea and started rattling off names in his dream lineup of opponents, giving himself goosebumps as he went along. Nemeth suggested the match could include some of WWE’s biggest names—both past and present—with the likes of The Rock earmarked as the ultimate final opponent.

But it wouldn’t just be a nostalgia trip. Nemeth proposed mixing in “curveballs” such as current NXT breakout Oba Femi, creating moments where Cena could help elevate emerging stars even in his last bout.

Why This Kind Of Match Makes Perfect Sense

While appearing on Jimmy Fallon this week, Cena was asked about why he's leaving. He responded, “I think if I hang around any longer than now, I’m just taking time away from the young guys to make an impact. It’s time.” He also noted that he's open to whomever WWE wants his final opponent to be. Cena's willingness to work with whatever is presented is key to all of this.

From there, the match doesn't have to be a 60-minute ironman challenge. In fact, some of the sequences could play out as a mix of quick comedic exchanges, hard-hitting action, and emotional callbacks that last no longer than 20 minutes and give Cena a breather between opponents.

Finally, the Rock’s potential involvement would serve as the emotional high point and a huge callback to an earlier unfinished storyline WWE tried but abandoned when they turned Cena heel. The Rock being involved would draw a huge audience, more than the audience already tuning in for Cena's last match.