Report: John Cena’s Final WWE Opponent Set To Be Gunther
The end of an era in WWE is drawing near, and according to new reports, John Cena’s farewell match has been locked in. The 17-time world champion and face of WWE for nearly two decades will reportedly square off against Gunther in his final bout.
The match is scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., making it one of the most high-profile sendoffs in WWE history.
Cena vs. Gunther Confirmed
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that WWE has internally confirmed the matchup, even if television will present a tournament storyline to determine Cena’s last opponent.
“Multiple sources over the last two days have confirmed the name and the WWE internal listing for the Saturday Night Main Event at this point lists that as the only match on the show,” Meltzer noted. “Two sources have confirmed that the latest plan is for a tournament to be announced... But multiple have confirmed however it reaches the conclusion, that Gunther was the person chosen for the match.”
The choice is a fitting one. Cena, the company’s defining star of the 2000s and 2010s, will close out his career against one of WWE’s most dominant modern athletes.
Why Gunther?
Gunther has built an undeniable legacy since his main roster debut. His Intercontinental Championship reign was record-breaking, restoring the prestige of the title, and he has since gone on to capture the World Heavyweight Championship twice. His hard-hitting, methodical style makes him one of the most respected in-ring performers of the current era.
Placing him opposite Cena for the latter’s farewell bout not only gives the WWE Hall of Fame-bound icon the chance to end his career in a blockbuster match but also further cements Gunther as the heir to WWE’s standard of excellence.
What’s Next Before December?
Before Cena’s farewell, he’ll face AJ Styles at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, on October 11. Meanwhile, Gunther is rumored to resurface at Crown Jewel or on the October 13 edition of Monday Night Raw, setting the stage for the road to December.
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Choosing Gunther as John Cena’s final opponent is both a symbolic and strategic move. It mirrors WWE’s tradition of having legendary stars “pass the torch” to the next generation. While some fans may have expected a more personal rival like Randy Orton or The Rock, WWE clearly sees Gunther as the best candidate to carry the prestige of Cena’s farewell. The matchup represents more than just one last match for Cena—it’s a definitive statement on where the company believes its future lies.
