John Cena Announces 16-Man Tournament To Decide His Final Opponent
The end of an era is officially underway.
During WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Salt Lake City, the legendary John Cena appeared in a powerful video promo announcing a 16-man tournament to determine who will face him in his final WWE match — set to take place at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. on December 13.
After a brief commercial break, WWE aired a teaser for an upcoming in-depth sit-down interview with Cena, where he reflected on his career and admitted he promised himself he’d “step back when [he] couldn’t compete at the level [he] expects.”
Then came the bombshell announcement.
Cena declared that his last opponent will be earned, not chosen — and the only way to earn that honor is by winning a grueling, cross-brand tournament featuring stars from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even, as Cena teased, “maybe a few people who don’t even work for WWE.”
The tournament will kick off on the November 10th episode of Monday Night Raw, with the winner earning the right to face Cena in what is expected to be one of the most emotional main events in WWE history.
As Cena put it, he wants someone “willing to step up to him, just like he once did to Kurt Angle.”
🎙 Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
This is classic John Cena — turning his farewell into an opportunity to elevate others while putting over the next generation. The 16-man format adds unpredictability and intrigue, giving fans a real sense of occasion on the road to Survivor Series and beyond.
If the rumors are true and GUNTHER is the current favorite internally, the story practically writes itself — the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of the modern era ending the career of WWE’s ultimate workhorse. But Cena’s tease about possible non-WWE participants opens the door to dream scenarios that could break the internet.
One thing’s for sure: Cena’s farewell is shaping up to be appointment television.
