As we near the end of 2024, we get closer to 2025 and John Cena’s retirement tour, when the face that runs the place will officially pass down the torch and leave his legacy in the ring.
Since Cena announced his upcoming retirement tour at Money in the Bank 2024, everyone has debated his final few opponents. Rumors have been floating around about opponents such as Randy Orton and CM Punk, who have an intense history with Cena.
These matches will grab everyone’s attention, but who will help Cena kick off his farewell tour? A match against Orton or Punk would be historic, but would it be too soon for them to have a feud with Cena right when he returns?
Here are a few contenders that would be the perfect fit to be John Cena’s first feud.
Logan Paul
Internet star meets movie star and wrestling legend? I could see it.
Logan Paul’s arrogance makes it logical that he should be the first person to challenge Cena. For being somewhat new to the sport, Paul has been doing unbelievable things on the mic and in the ring. He gets a strong reaction from the crowd, meaning he is doing something right.
There is no better opponent than John Cena for various reasons. Having Cena’s name on the match card alone brings views no matter who his opponent is, meaning it gives more recognition to his opponent.
As a veteran, Cena lets his opponents showcase their skills no matter who is set to win the match. Pinning Cena against Paul would help him showcase more of his skills, but Paul can learn a lot from a veteran like Cena.
With their skills, they can create a compelling story for the fans.
Carmelo Hayes
Speaking of Cena helping newer talent, Carmelo Hayes would be a great first contender.
Hayes truly has the wrestling “it” factor—his look, charisma, character, athleticism, and so on screams future World Champion. However, being new to the main roster can make it look like he is still trying to find his place.
Pinning him against Cena will help him become more recognized by fans. As I mentioned, Cena will help make Hayes look good in the match, no matter who wins. Competing against someone like John Cena is a big deal; having that under his belt would be a massive accomplishment for Hayes, whether he wins or loses.
If they do end up having a story together, this may not get brought up, but I find it interesting that they are both from Massachusetts. Because they have the same home state, making this a personal feud may be easy, but it would only capture more attention.
Seth Rollins
If they want to start Cena’s farewell tour strong, none other than Seth Rollins should kick it off.
They had an unforgettable feud from 2014 to 2015, fighting for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the United States Championship. Why not do something similar again? Although, maybe this time, without Rollins breaking Cena’s nose.
Rollins has also evolved a lot as a character since then. It has been nearly a decade since we saw them in a singles match against one another. So, it will be interesting to see the story’s direction. No matter what, I hope we see Rollins vs. Cena again before his retirement.
Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens and John Cena also had an unforgettable feud. Cena was Owens’ first opponent when he debuted on the main roster. Because of this, it seems only fitting for Owens to be Cena’s first opponent in his final year of wrestling.
Timing also seems to align as Kevin Owens just turned heel once again. If he can wrap up his feud with Cody Rhodes by the end of the year, he can start the new year against Cena.
Cena helped Cody Rhodes win the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40. He could also participate in the story with Rhodes and Owens, leading to tag team matches.
No matter who Cena’s first opponent is, it will be memorable.
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