5 wrestlers who might challenge John Cena’s last title reign

John Cena created history in WrestleMania 41 when he beat Cody Rhodes to begin his 17th reign as WWE Champion. Cena also went past the previous record held by Ric Flair with 16 titles. Cena has publicly stated that the current run is his final as a full-time pro wrestler as he intends to hang up his boots at the end of the year. So far, Cena has given fans a trip down memory lane after turning heel in the Elimination Chamber PLE in February. 

On Saturday, John Cena beat the longtime rival Randy Orton to retain his title at the WWE Backlash PLE. After the match against Orton was over, Cena cut a promo stating that he wanted a new challenger for the title. This has raised hopes of some exciting new match-ups in Cena’s final run in WWE. 

The 17-time Champion is likely to be part of the SummerSlam and Survivor Series events. Both PLE are considered as one of WWE’s Top four events in a calendar year. With Randy Orton out of the way WWE’s celebrated champion could be coming up against some illustrious wrestlers before the end of his career. 

Here are the top five wrestlers John Cena could face before his WWE retirement 

5. AJ Styles

In what could be a great match up if the two amazing wrestlers, AJ Styles and John Cena could clash once again. The two had a great feuds when Styles made his WWE debut in 2016 and is currently in the RAW brand. Styles has always been counted as one of the top talents in pro wrestling industry and can come up with classic matches. The former WWE champion had three amazing matches with Cena to cement his legacy as a great wrestler. 

4. R Truth 

In what could be a compelling match, Cena and R Truth could face each other in one of the coming PLE’s. Truth has been calling Cena his childhood hero and also played a key part in the match against Randy Orton last Saturday. Truth was also put through the table by the 17-time Champion during the Backlash press scrum. Truth has never won the WWE title in his long career and a match with his childhood hero could bring him closer to that dream. 

3. CM Punk 

Since his return to WWE in 2023, pro wrestling fans have clamored for yet another match between CM Punk and John Cena. In the 2010’s both wrestlers battled for the WWE title but back then Cena was the face and Punk was the heel. With the roles now reversed and Punk having massive fan support, one final encounter between the two could blow the roof of any arena. 

2. The Rock

With one win each, The Rock and John Cena could possibly have their final encounter towards the end of the year. This match is only possible if Cena turns babyface once more to end his career on the right path. Rock, who is now calling himself ‘The Final Boss’, may want to take the title of Cena and also end their long feud with the final say. Both wrestlers have fought each other in two WrestleMania (28 and 29) nearly dozen years ago. 

1. Gunther 

‘Ring General’ Gunther is called one of the best talents in the current Pro Wrestling era. Gunther has just lost his title to Jey Uso in WrestleMania 41 and also beat Pat McAfee in WWE Backlash PLE. Match between the past of wrestling and the current star of the industry could be massive. Gunther who has been a heel for a longtime could finally have his babyface run and put an end to Cena’s tile reign.