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John Cena rocked The Cenation at Money in the Bank 2024. The surprise appearance set the wrestling world on fire as Cena revealed his retirement plans: The Champ will have an extended 12-month Farewell Tour in 2025, with the upcoming Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41 being his last as a wrestler.
With January fast approaching, Cena's return is on the horizon. Randy Orton has been picked online to face the 16-time WWE World Champion at 'Mania. Final matches with AJ Styles, CM Punk, and Brock Lesnar have also received attention on social media.
Nonetheless, it would be intriguing to witness how the Retirement Tour begins. Where would John Cena's Farewell Tour start, and who will be his first opponent? Moreover, does the match need a background story?
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On that note, let's look at four early predictions for Cena's first opponent during his WWE Retirement Tour:
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#4. John Cena and Sheamus could revisit their rivalry on RAW
Sheamus is one of the most decorated veterans on the main roster. Still a full-time talent on RAW, The Celtic Warrior has been active in the ring for nearly 15 years. PG-Era fans will recall the beginning of his iconic career when he was embroiled in a marque WWE Title feud with John Cena.
The rivalry started in late 2009, at the height of the "Super Cena" Era. Nonetheless, Sheamus scored a major upset victory in a Tables Match at the TLC PLE to dethrone Cena and become WWE Champion. The Franchise Player regained the title inside the Elimination Chamber at the titular event in 2010, but the Irishman had made a massive statement.
The Celtic Warrior and The Doctor of Thuganomics would cross paths several times again in 2010. However, the company has separated the two veterans as they have had limited interactions in the last several years.
Fans have not demanded this match online, but few would object to another showdown between Sheamus and Cena. As two of the most accomplished veterans with a healthy deal of respect, there is no need for a legitimate build, and the match could be booked for RAW.
#3. Gunther could defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Cena on RAW's debut on Netflix
Gunther is arguably one of the top stars on the roster. With a dominant aura and vicious mean streak, The Ring General is one of the most protected stars on the main roster. Triple H clearly has big plans for the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, who is on his way to becoming a legend.
The Game may have John Cena vs. Gunther planned for a major PLE. Considering that The Ring General has insulted legends, it makes sense for ''Super Cena'' to stand up to the dominant champion. A win over The Champ would greatly elevate Gunther's aura.
Instead of booking the match for a PLE, which is a fine decision, WWE could choose to do it on RAW's debut on Netflix on January 6, 2025. Since the show is expected to be a historic occasion, a blockbuster match between Cena and Gunther would be a fitting addition.
#2. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio could target the 16-time WWE World Champion
Dominik Mysterio is often booed out of the building and not allowed to speak, but the younger Mysterio has grown into his heel persona to gain legitimate nuclear heat from the fan base.
Much of the disapproval is because of his treacherous, cowardly nature and attitude towards his "deadbeat" dad. Dirty Dom has no respect for stars from his father's generation and is often keen to get into their faces.
Enter John Cena. The Greatest of All Time could be cutting a standard promo to be interrupted by Dirty Dom. The former NXT North American Champion would be insulted by Cena, leading to an impromptu match.
If Dom could pin Cena, he would gain massive credibility as a singles star overnight. He would become a main-event caliber WWE Superstar.
#1. Cody Rhodes could face a surprise challenger at Royal Rumble 2025
The feeling is that John Cena will enter the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble Match. However, Triple H can book a swerve and put Cena in a WWE Championship bout against Cody Rhodes in the undercard.
Rhodes vs. Cena is a marquee match befitting of a major PLE like the Rumble. It would allow The Champ a fair opportunity to break Ric Flair's record, and a loss would continue his singles losing streak, leading to a bigger payoff at WrestleMania 41.
The company could book John Cena to win the Undisputed WWE Title and have Randy Orton win the Rumble for the third time, setting up the rumored Cena-Orton showdown in Las Vegas.
