Long-time rival; former apprentice? - 6 WWE stars who can retire John Cena
John Cena made a surprise appearance at WWE Money in the Bank 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, tonight. The 16-time World Champion sent shockwaves through the pro wrestling world as he announced that he would hang up his boots in 2025.
WWE has many top stars who could retire the legendary star during his final run with the company next year.
So, let's take a look at the six most likely names who could face John Cena in his final match.
#6. Randy Orton could face John Cena one last time
Randy Orton is the greatest rival John Cena ever had in WWE. The Viper had numerous matches with The Champ over the last two decades.
While Cena carried WWE as the top babyface for many years, Orton was the top heel in the Stamford-based promotion during that time.
Cena and Orton going head-to-head for the last time ever in the former's final match next year would be a fitting end to the legend's career.
#5. Grayson Waller
WWE has many young stars who could possibly retire John Cena in 2025, and Grayson Waller is one of them.
The former WWE Tag Team Champion had a segment with Cena at Money in the Bank last year during which he tried to attack the legend, but got taken out by him instead.
Triple H could use their history to book a feud between them next year. Waller would benefit a lot by retiring Cena as it would help him become one of the biggest heels in WWE.
#4. LA Knight
LA Knight has been one of the biggest babyfaces in WWE as of late. He has not accomplished much under Triple H, but John Cena passing him the torch before retiring would do wonders for his career.
WWE booked a short face-off between Knight and Cena at the Payback Premium Live Event last year, so there is history between them that could be used to start a feud.
Fans would get to see amazing promo battles as well and Knight could officially become the biggest babyface in WWE if Cena puts him over after their potential match in 2025.
#3. Carmelo Hayes
Carmelo Hayes imitated John Cena when he showed up in WWE in 2021. The former NXT Champion spoke about Ruthless Aggression and slapped Adam Cole in the face, something Cena did to Kurt Angle on the night of his debut.
The Cenation Leader accompanied Hayes in his match against Bron Breakker on a major episode of NXT last year.
Hayes, who is now a heel, could challenge The Champ to a match with the latter's career on the line. Triple H clearly sees Hayes as a big star, so he is a strong contender to retire John Cena next year.
#2. Bron Breakker
Bron Breakker is another young star who is on a roll in WWE. He is the next big thing and is a top contender to retire John Cena.
Cena mentored Carmelo Hayes against Bron Breakker last year, so The Big Bad Booty Nephew may come for revenge against him on the former WWE Champion's retirement tour.
Retiring the 16-time World Champion would be a huge feat for Breakker and there is a great possibility of him achieving it.
#1. Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes is arguably the biggest babyface in WWE right now. He has faced off against John Cena many times in the past, but fans have never seen him go head-to-head with the legendary star as The American Nightmare.
Cena could challenge Rhodes to a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship next year in pursuit of his 17th world title.
The Cenation Leader helped The American Nightmare win the title from Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL earlier this year, so him wanting a shot at it would make sense. Rhodes getting to retire Cena would be a huge moment for him.