By Andrew RavensShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberJohn Cena’s final match is currently set for 'Saturday Night's Main Event' on December 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., and his final opponent is being determined through the 16-man "The Last Time is Now" tournament. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is not one of the competitors in the tournament, but he recently offered his opinion on who should have the honor of bringing the curtain down on Cena's career.
During an appearance on Up & Adams, CM Punk was asked who he thinks would be the perfect final opponent for Cena. Punk replied that, while it might sound like a bold claim, he believes he was the perfect choice.
The rivalry between Punk and Cena defined a large part of the 2010s in WWE, producing some of the most memorable matches and moments in the promotion's history. Their legendary match at 'Money in the Bank' in 2011, which saw Punk defeat Cena for the WWE Championship before absconding with the title, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Premium Live Event endings ever.
Punk being the one to retire Cena would have been "kind of perfect" for many WWE fans, though it would have required Punk to be a heel of the "highest magnitude".
More news: Nikki Bella Reunites With Ex-Boyfriend At WWE Raw
With Punk not in the running, he offered his prediction for the tournament winner, choosing GUNTHER as the most likely opponent. As of the quarter-finals, GUNTHER and Solo Sikoa have advanced to the semi-finals on the Raw side of the bracket. The final two semi-finalists will be decided on tonight’s SmackDown broadcast.
..."Perfect, probably would've been me. I don’t know if it’s perfect, but it’s looking like GUNTHER. I’ve been in the ring with him, and I know what he can do. I don’t know who else in that tournament can beat him right now."
Solo Sikoa awaits GUNTHER in the semi-final, with the other half of the bracket featuring two quarter-final matches on SmackDown tonight: Rusev going to war with Jey Uso, and LA Knight squaring off against Sheamus' replacement. Sheamus was forced out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
The idea of GUNTHER winning makes sense creatively for WWE, as he has already defeated Goldberg in a retirement match and has a storyline where he sends aging wrestlers out to pasture. The WWE continues to push both Jey Uso as a strong singles star and LA Knight as a major fan favorite.
While the winner of the tournament will face Cena on December 13, Cena is first scheduled to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Dominik Mysterio at 'Survivor Series' this weekend, marking his second-to-last match in WWE.
More WWE News:
- Former WWE Champion is Preparing for In-Ring Return
- Ringside Tickets for WWE PLE Reach Shocking Price
- AJ Lee Calls Out WWE Fan for Bizarre AI Video
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
WrestlingWWE Hall of Famer Calls Out Bret Hart for ‘Nuclear’ Remarks3 min read
WrestlingCM Punk Sends Strong Message for WWE Survivor Series WarGames3 min read
WrestlingFormer WWE Champion Signs AEW Contract2 min read
WrestlingFormer WWE Star Fires Back at Becky Lynch Remarks4 min read
WrestlingWWE’s Paul Heyman Sends Clear Message on John Cena for WarGames3 min read
WrestlingRandy Orton Thinks Celebrity Is ‘ready’ for WWE Career3 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
NewsTrump’s Reported Plan to Hand Russia Ukrainian Territories Sparks Outrage2 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: On Black Friday, Payday Lenders Are Now Armed With AI5 min read
NewsMap Shows Where Significant Snow Will Disrupt Post-Thanksgiving Travel3 min read
NewsTrump Announces Halt On Migration From ‘All Third World Countries’3 min read
NewsZelensky’s Chief of Staff Resigns After Anti-Corruption Raid4 min read
NewsTrump Admin ‘Looking at’ Deporting Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s Family4 min readTrending
New York8 Million Inflation Refund Checks Sent Out Ahead of Thanksgiving4 min read
WalmartWalmart Recall Update: Customers Warned ‘Immediately Stop’ Using Products4 min read
CatholicPope Leo Updates Marriage Rules for 1.4 Billion Catholics3 min readWeatherMap Shows Where Significant Snow Will Disrupt Post-Thanksgiving Travel3 min read
WeatherWinter Storm Map Shows Where Up to 12 Inches of Snow Could Strike3 min readOpinion
OpinionRedefining Professional Degrees Will Hurt Everyday Americans | Opinion5 min read
OpinionAI Is Coming for Our Most Intimate Communications. Congress Must Act | Opinion5 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: The Thanksgiving Tragedies Edition3 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: The Anti-Thanksgiving Edition3 min read
OpinionHow to Remain Grounded and Thankful Amid the Chaos5 min read
