Cody Rhodes believes fans’ expectations for John Cena’s final-ever WWE match could be setting them up for disappointment.
John Cena is expected to face Gunther in his final WWE match, which is expected to take place in his hometown of Boston in December.
Gunther has already given John Cena conditions should they meet in a certified WWE dream match before the end of the year.
Cena’s next opponent, Cody Rhodes, has warned fans to lower their expectations regarding the 17-time champion’s final match.
Cody Rhodes says John Cena could retire as WWE Champion
Rhodes has warned fans that Cena could bow out of professional wrestling as the company’s top champion.
“John Cena is the greatest champion in wrestling history,” said Cody Rhodes in an interview with the Boston Herald.
Rhodes believes Cena has every right to leave with the WWE Championship rather than put a younger star over on his way out.”It’s foolish to think he’s handing out any torches,” added the American Nightmare.
Rhodes continued: “He wants to go out like a warrior, or he will leave with the title, then we’ll have to have some silly tournament or something that I can prevent here and now.”
Of course, the American Nightmare has a chance to change that. Cena and Rhodes will collide in the main event of SummerSlam with the WWE Championship on the line.
Why is John Cena retiring from WWE?
Cena has offered up a heartbreaking reason for his decision to step away from professional wrestling after 2025.
The 17-time champion has revealed it’s down to his body rather than his desire to continue performing in the company.
“My skills are on the regress,” Cena revealed in an interview with Stephanie McMahon on ESPN show Stephanie’s Places.
“If I continue at a full-time physical capability or involvement, I’m not gonna run right, my partner’s not gonna run right, and our relationship’s not gonna run right. Sorry kid, it’s time to close this chapter.”
Cena has wrestled Randy Orton, CM Punk, and R Truth on his WWE retirement so far, with matches against The Miz and AJ Styles expected in the latter part of 2025.