John Cena will hold a WWE Championship one last time

When John Cena walked out from the back at WWE Money in the Bank, it took one glance to realize what was coming. His gear and towel let everyone know that he was there to announce the end of an era. Father Time is undefeated and it looks like he’s poised to snatch away another great career. But Cena’s clock isn’t at zero just yet. Before he gets there, he should hold either of the WWE Championships.

Cena’s announcement was a moment. It was such a moment that national media organizations like NPR, ESPN, CNN, and several others reported on it. If there was any doubt about Cena’s crossover traction, this is the final nail in that coffin. He’s not only a megastar, but he defined an era of professional wrestling. Come December 2025 that era will officially be over.

Cena made it clear that he will compete at The Royal Rumble and at WrestleMania 41. The road is set. Cena is immediately recognized as the favorite to take the Rumble. When his music hits, all eyes will be on him to see and cheer him on to victory. Adults and children alike would be out in force to support one of the most important WWE superstars to ever step in the ring. Giving him the win and catapulting him into the main event of either night of WrestleMania is the right decision. It’s the right step to take as he closes out his career.

Who should be waiting there to face him? That’s a tough question to answer. While some are thinking Randy Orton, that would make sense as they have years of history between them. CM Punk is also another name that would work in the position. Imagine the story of John Cena facing off with and overcoming GUNTHER. Each of these would be huge for their own reasons.

Then there’s the story of Cena fighting to hold on to the title. He could be on either SmackDown or Raw, facing off with top challengers like Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and several others. What if he shows up on WWE NXT to take on Trick Williams? There’s no telling where the John Cena Retirement Tour will take him, but putting the championship on him as a part of that journey is the right move.

Ric Flair and John Cena are tied atop the list of most reigns recognized by the WWE with 16 each. Even if Flair weren’t marred by controversy after controversy, giving that honor to Cena would be the right call. Cena deserves that position. He’s done everything right both in the ring and outside of it. Even as the icon that he is, he finds a way to give back to the talent that entertains fans today. John Cena is a positive representative of professional wrestling. His retirement comes at a time when WWE needs all the positive headlines it could get. Seeing him win and hold the championship for one more time throughout 2025 must happen.

With one announcement John Cena made 2025 a year to keep a close eye on the WWE. Making it to live events became that much more special, as it would be the last time to see him in action. The story of him making one last push to be a champion, winning that title to take the record, and defending it with all he has left is one of the most important angles the promotion can tell. And tell it they must before we can no longer see him for real.