3 AEW stars who could return to WWE to retire John Cena
John Cena's stunning announcement at WWE Money in the Bank 2024 has left the wrestling world buzzing. In an unexpected turn of events, The Cenation Leader made an unannounced appearance at the Toronto premium live event, where he revealed that 2025 would be his final year as an in-ring competitor.
The Franchise Player has stated that he will remain active throughout the next year, competing at major shows, including Elimination Chamber, Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania 41.
Speculations have already begun about which lucky individual will get the honor of retiring John Cena. While WWE has plenty of qualified names on its roster, several AEW legends may head over to the Stamford-based promotion to be part of Cena's retirement tour. There are a few names in the Jacksonville-based company that share a storied history with The Cenation Leader.
In this article, let's look at three AEW stars who could retire John Cena in 2025.
#3 Samoa Joe vs. John Cena could be a perfect final match for The Franchise Player
Samoa Joe has found success all across the globe. Besides his seasoned in-ring skills, The Samoan Submission Machine is known for his exceptional mic work, which arguably puts him on the same level as John Cena. While The Cenation Leader has been a loyal asset to WWE, Joe has emerged as the cornerstone of multiple wrestling promotions worldwide.
Although Joe is currently in the midst of an exciting AEW run, The Samoan Submission Machine may not refuse if he is given the offer to retire John Cena in 2025.
If his contract with the Jacksonville-based promotion expires by the end of next year, the former AEW World Champion may opt for an early exit to wrestle the 16-time World Champion. Considering his great off-screen relationship with Triple H, it wouldn't be surprising if The Game called Joe back to WWE for Cena's farewell tour.
The Franchise Player shares a great friendship with Joe, dating back to their rookie days in 1999. Unfortunately, Vince McMahon did not capitalize on a rivalry between Joe and Cena in 2017-18, when the duo were regularly active on WWE RAW. However, the two wrestling legends can finally lock horns next year when Cena goes on to draw curtains on his illustrious career.
#2 Chris Jericho may head to WWE for a final match with The Franchise Player
Chris Jericho has had numerous memorable encounters with John Cena in his legendary career. The duo had a string of awesome battles from 2005-09, which helped establish Cena as the top babyface in the company.
The memories of Survivor Series 2008 remain fresh in the minds of wrestling fans. At the event, The Cenation Leader took down Chris Jericho to become the World Heavyweight Champion.
While they have not fought each other in a long time, the two legends could be headed towards a collision course very soon. With Chris Jericho's AEW contract seemingly set to expire in the fall of 2025, The Lionheart could return to WWE to help Cena end his career on a high.
Taking his incredible achievements into account, Chris Jericho seems like a worthy candidate to pit against John Cena in his final WWE match.
#1 Bryan Danielson shares a storied history with the 16-time World Champion
At a time when John Cena soared high as WWE’s biggest babyface, Bryan Danielson (fka Daniel Bryan) emerged as a threat to the former's throne. The two stars had an incredible singles encounter at WWE SummerSlam 2013, where The American Dragon overcame The Cenation Leader to become the new WWE Champion.
The BCC member has only two months left on his AEW contract, which is set to expire in September 2024. Once he wraps up his full-time career, Danielson could make a much-anticipated return to WWE to battle John Cena in his final-ever wrestling match.
John Cena massively endorsed Danielson during the highly popular Yes Movement in 2013-14. The 16-time World Champion was pleased to share the spotlight with the current AEW star, who had enjoyed an organic rise as a babyface superstar.
Now that Cena is ready to hang up his boots, Danielson could return the favor to his great friend by giving him the most memorable retirement match there could ever be.