John Cena’s Father Slams Idea of GUNTHER Retiring His Son

John Cena’s farewell match is officially locked in for December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.—and the road to that final match runs through the Last Time Is Now tournament.

With GUNTHER set to face LA Knight in the finals, one of them will punch their ticket to history and go one-on-one with the 17-time world champion in his final bout. But if you ask John Cena Sr., WWE might be heading in the wrong direction.

Speaking on the All Axxess Podcast, Cena’s father didn’t hold back when asked who he’d like to see face his son in his last-ever match. He made it crystal clear that GUNTHER wouldn’t be his pick—and explained why.

“Well, it certainly wouldn’t be GUNTHER, that’s for sure. I don’t think that’s a wise move. I don’t think the fans would enjoy that move.”

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Cena Sr. believes the idea that a retiring legend has to put someone over is outdated. He argues that John Cena has already passed the torch—and doesn’t need to hand out another “rub” on his way out.

“GUNTHER does not need the rub. And by the way, I’m not a fan of the whole ‘on the way out you’ve got to push somebody over the top’ idea. You’re supposed to pass the torch—but I don’t know if that’s written anywhere in professional wrestling.”

Instead, he points to the emotional SummerSlam moment involving Cody Rhodes as the true passing of the torch.

“If we have to use that as an analogy, then he’s already done that with Cody Rhodes. He beat him for the title. He gave the title back. They embraced, Cody was teary-eyed. The torch was passed.”

He also referenced Cena’s feud with Dominik Mysterio, calling it another clear example of Cena already lifting up future stars during the tail end of his career.

“I think he’s given the rub along the way, especially with Dominik Mysterio. That was a tremendous deal.”

As for the WWE Universe, all eyes are now on LA Knight vs. GUNTHER to decide Cena’s last opponent. Whether WWE sticks with GUNTHER or pivots based on reaction and storyline remains to be seen. But with Cena Sr. throwing cold water on the idea, the conversation around this historic moment just got a lot more interesting.

What do you think? Should John Cena go out by passing the torch—or does he owe no one anything at this point? Who should face him on December 13? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!

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