4 WWE stars who have already called out John Cena after his retirement announcementÂ
At Money in the Bank 2024, The Cenation was left to process a massive surprise. John Cena officially announced that he would retire from in-ring competition in 2025.
During the post-show press conference, Cena delved into the details of his farewell tour, which is expected to last the entirety of the next year. On his potential opponents, the veteran said he would want to face everyone owing to the loaded WWE roster.
The 16-time World Champion's surprise revelation spiked much interest in the wrestling world. Some current superstars even publicly called out John Cena after his retirement announcement at Money in the Bank.
#4 "Big" Bronson Reed was quick to call out John Cena
The Cenation Leader's retirement announcement quickly caught the attention of "Big" Bronson Reed. The former NXT North American Champion quickly took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to declare his intention to face Cena.
Reed and Cena have never crossed paths inside the squared circle. The Australian star's WWE career only took off once the veteran transitioned into a part-time role with limited wrestling commitments.
However, considering the extensive nature of John Cena's retirement tour, Cena vs. Reed could happen, especially if WWE could have the 16-time World Champion work RAW and SmackDown in 2025.
#3 Grayson Waller got in Cena's face at Money in the Bank 2023
Unlike Bronson Reed, Grayson Waller has shared the ring with John Cena in the past. They crossed paths at Money in the Bank 2023 in London, England.
To the delight of the O2 arena, Cena made an unannounced appearance before delivering a promo where he expressed his desire to see the UK host WrestleMania. However, the segment detoured as Grayson Waller interrupted the Hollywood star.
Cena got the last laugh as he laid out The Aussie Icon with an Attitude Adjustment. This was a clear tease for a potential feud down the line, and WWE could revisit this angle during the 16-time World Champion's farewell tour.
In fact, Waller posted a story of his segment with Cena on Instagram with the caption, "Before you leave," declaring his intention to face the WWE legend.
#2 Baron Corbin and Cena share a storied history
Baron Corbin is one of the few current stars who had an extended program with John Cena. The Lone Wolf battled Cena at SummerSlam 2017 in the opening encounter, which saw the latter prevail.
It is also worth mentioning that Cena thwarted Corbin's Money in the Bank cash-in against Jinder Mahal in August 2017. Therefore, there is plenty of unfinished business between The Cenation Leader and The Lone Wolf.
Corbin was quick to take to social media to mention that "he wanted some" while posting Cena's picture. Although not a marquee match-up, Cena vs. Corbin would be feasible for RAW.
#1 CM Punk teased one final match against John Cena
Although he didn't call out Cena on X, CM Punk teased one last match with his long-time rival during the post-MITB press conference. Punk also reflected on the impact both men have had on each other's careers and showed gratitude to the 16-time World Champion.
Without Cena, "The Summer of Punk" wouldn't have been such a resounding success. The Champ's morally upright character drew an interesting contrast with Punk's anti-hero persona, which caught on well with the WWE Universe.
Cena vs. Punk has a spectacle-like feel, which makes the blockbuster encounter fitting for a massive premium live event like SummerSlam or WrestleMania 41.