WWE Hall of Famer Praises Gunther as the Perfect Final Opponent For John Cena
WWE Hall of Famer JBL has weighed in on the rumors surrounding John Cena’s upcoming retirement match — and the former world champion believes Gunther is the ideal opponent to help close out the legendary career of the “Cenation Leader.”
Cena is set to wrestle his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, and while WWE has yet to officially confirm the opponent, reports suggest that “The Ring General” Gunther will be the man standing across from him in that last chapter.
Speaking on the Something to Wrestle With podcast, JBL praised the rumored matchup, calling Gunther one of the few superstars capable of carrying the magnitude of Cena’s farewell.
“You need somebody that can carry what he’s going to be given being that last match,” JBL explained. “Whether he goes over or not, that’s a huge honor — to be Cena’s final opponent. There’s a lot of equity transferred from Cena to that opponent, depending on the finish. If Gunther is the guy, he can carry it. He’s a great worker, he’s got presence, he’s a terrific heel, and he’ll do a lot with it.”
JBL’s endorsement underscores what many in the industry already believe — that Gunther has emerged as one of the most respected and capable wrestlers of his generation, with a work rate and ring presence that command attention.
🔥 John Cena vs. AJ Styles Set for Crown Jewel
Before his possible retirement showdown with Gunther, Cena will step into the ring this weekend at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, facing off against AJ Styles in what promises to be another chapter in their storied rivalry.
Veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter shared his take on the matchup during Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Time Machine, predicting that the bout will be a standout performance for both veterans.
“It’s going to be a great match. Both of them will show their real wrestling skill in the ring,” Apter said. “I believe John Cena is going to win this one, but it’ll be one of his toughest matches. And AJ, even in losing, won’t lose any credibility.”
With Crown Jewel just days away and Cena’s career winding down, fans are savoring every moment of his final run — one that could see him battle two of WWE’s best modern technicians in Styles and Gunther before hanging up his boots for good.
H/t Robert Lentini with sportskeeda
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JBL’s comments echo the sentiment many longtime fans share — Gunther represents the perfect “final boss” for John Cena. The matchup bridges generations: a legend who carried WWE through the modern era versus the Ring General redefining what dominance looks like in today’s landscape.
If this truly is Cena’s farewell, WWE’s decision to entrust that moment to Gunther is a statement — both about Cena’s respect for the next generation and the company’s faith in Gunther as a future cornerstone.
Meanwhile, Cena’s bout with AJ Styles at Crown Jewel feels like the perfect warm-up — a showcase of respect and rivalry before one last epic curtain call in December.
