'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Former WWE Champion John Cena announced that he'd retire in 2025 after embarking on a retirement tour to wrap up his illustrious career. He's appeared sporadically for different feuds over the last few years.
Cena faced Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39 and joined the Bloodline drama to challenge Roman Reigns. Cena also put Solo Sikoa over at Crown Jewel in 2023.
WWE needs to craft his final feuds with extreme care. He shouldn't waste time with American Made or someone like Randy Orton. WWE should not book the next six feuds on John Cena's retirement tour.
#6. Sheamus is on a mission of his own
Trending
The Celtic Warrior was one of Cena's top rivals during the prime of his run atop WWE. The two had physical matches over championships, but both men are well past their prime.
Sheamus is on his own mission of redemption as he tries to win the Intercontinental Championship. It feels like his direction for WrestleMania 41.
Since both men were at their best in the previous eras, WWE should avoid pairing the two in a feud. They're also both babyfaces, so it would be a weird dynamic.
#5. The Final Testament shouldn't repeat history
Karrion Kross and the Final Testament have been embroiled in a feud with the Wyatt Sicks. Both sides had the upper hand at different points but neither has emerged victorious.
Cena famously battled and buried the Nexus about 15 years ago. He was forced to join the group but killed their credibility by overcoming the young stars.
The Final Testament could be a bigger threat if bookers gave them more victories. The Judgment Day will break up soon, so another group needs to fill the void.
Battling the man who was once the biggest superhero in wrestling won't necessarily help the faction ascend the WWE ladder.
#4. Logan Paul wants the spotlight
Logan Paul only shows up in WWE for big-money matches, and one with Cena would fit that mold. The Maverick fashions himself a huge star, and thanks to social media, he is to a degree.
In terms of the wrestling industry, however, he's not as great as he thinks he is. Paul has picked up the craft quickly but doesn't fall into the top 10 or even 15 of best WWE performers.
Cena and Paul would probably have great promo exchanges, but Paul would ultimately come out on top. The former WWE Champ will probably put over more stars on his retirement tour, and they should be ones grown in the industry who are around every week.
#3. Carmelo Hayes and the other big future star of WWE
Carmelo Hayes is the type of star who should start moving up the ladder on SmackDown. Despite his bold moves, he's fallen to the likes of Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes. Beating either Zayn or Rhodes would have done wonders for Melo.
Those two stars are in their prime. John Cena, however, is not. It's why he's on his retirement tour. Had Hayes and Cena crossed paths five to seven years ago, a win for Hayes would have been a big deal.
Since he's reverted to part-time status, wins over the Cenation leader don't carry as much weight as in the past. Austin Theory beat him at WrestleMania two years ago and is mired in a tag team that should have disbanded months ago. The same goes for Bron Breakker, who's already captured main-roster gold.
#2. Solo Sikoa or any Bloodline angle
Cena has already dipped his toes into the neverending Bloodline drama. He got several Samoan Spikes for his efforts. He aided LA Knight in 2023 when The Megastar pursued the Undisputed Championship.
Solo Sikoa has fallen to The American Nightmare and The Head of the Table several times. Beating Cena in 2025 wouldn't do nearly enough as beating either Rhodes or Reigns.
John Cena should only revisit blockbuster feuds from his past if he's not embroiled with meaningful angles during his retirement tour.
#1. Kevin Owens is right
Kevin Owens famously debuted by opposing John Cena while he held the United States title. It announced The Prizefighter to the casual fans and set him up as a player for the future.
With how things have gone recently for Owens, WWE may want Cena to oppose his one-time rival since he's at odds with Cody Rhodes.
Attacking a beloved performer on his retirement tour would give Owens massive heat, but it would not do much for the former Universal Champ. Owens doesn't need another person telling him he's wrong for being mad at Cody Rhodes, especially not a sanctimonious hero from his past.
