4 mistakes WWE must not make with John Cena in 2025

2025 will be John Cena's final year as an in-ring performer in WWE. The 16-time world champion will have a year-long retirement tour, working what is being described as a "full-time" schedule. The Cenation Leader's final run before hanging up the jorts will be one of the biggest focal points of the product through the year.

While the retirement tour holds great potential for magic and unforgettable moments, it could bring great disappointment if handled wrong. Thus, Triple H and his creative team must avoid making certain key mistakes so as not to spoil the Chain Gang Leader's final run as an active competitor. This will be key in ensuring that the 47-year old Hollywood star gets the send-off he deserves

With that in mind, let's look at four of the biggest mistakes WWE must avoid making with John Cena in 2025

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#4. WWE must not pick the wrong opponent for John Cena's final WrestleMania match

As the Road to WrestleMania 41 draws close, speculation has already begun regarding potential matches. A number of rumours and reports have emerged, with varying receptions from fans. One of the most controversial potential clashes suggested has been Logan Paul vs. John Cena, which has caused heated debate amongst fans.

On one hand, the match has undeniable crossover potential and could be a great in-ring spectacle. On the other hand, many fans feel Cena's final match at The Show of Shows should have a much deeper story and significance. The controversy surrounding this proposed feud should inform the creative team of how important it is to choose the right final 'Mania opponent for the 16-time world champion.

Whether it's Paul, a world champion like Gunther or a rising star like Bron Breakker, they must not get it wrong.

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#3. WWE must not "waste" any John Cena feuds in 2025

Many of The Champ's most recent feuds received mixed reactions [Image courtesy of WWE.com]

As soon as John Cena announced his retirement tour, multiple WWE Superstars began throwing their hats in the ring to be part of it. These ranged from old rivals to new rivals, offering up dozens of intriguing match ups. Fans agreed with some of these potential bouts, while they were less convinced with others.

As the creative team puts together The Champ's final run, they must choose his feuds with great care. Triple H and co. must know which opponents Cena should or shouldn't face, and which rivalries should be long-term or short. Time is precious when it comes to the Chain Gang Soldier, so none of the interactions on his farewell tour should feel unnecessary or "wasted"

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#2. WWE must avoid leaning on nostalgic booking for John Cena's 2025 run

Over John Cena's illustrious 22-year WWE career, he has amassed an incredible gallery of rivals. From Kurt Angle to CM Punk, the Face That Runs The Place has tussled with some of the very best to ever do it. Many of these iconic old opponents are still active today, and going as strong as ever.

As the 16-time world champion wraps up his in-ring career in 2025, many fans want to see him "run it back" with his old rivals. The likes of Punk, Randy Orton and more have expressed interest in facing him, causing great fan excitement. While some of these iconic rivalries definitely deserve a final chapter, WWE must make sure to avoid leaning too heavily on them at the expense of giving younger stars the chance to work with The Cenatiom Leader.

While honouring the past is important, the focus should be mostly on building for the future

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#1. WWE must not turn John Cena heel without a plan in 2025

John Cena has done almost everything in his WWE career. He has won and lost titles, beaten legends and upstarts, worked all kinds of matches from gritty to comedic, and much more. However, there are still a few "What Ifs" in his story, chief of which is his potential heel turn, which fans have been fantasy booking for over a decade.

Given the Triple H era's track record of fan service, there's a good chance that they may pull the trigger on the turn in 2025. However, if it is to happen, the turn must be done right, with a strong story behind it. A poorly-executed turn would hurt all parties involved and leave little room for course correction given that it's Cena's final run.

If the creative team can't figure out a way to book The Franchise's turn and heel run perfectly, it's better left alone altogether.