The world of professional wrestling is never short on drama, and the latest development could set the stage for one of the most intriguing showdowns outside the ring. WWE is reportedly contemplating moving John Cena’s highly anticipated retirement match to directly compete with All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) major year-end pay-per-view, Worlds End. This move would not just be a tribute to Cena’s legendary career, but also a clear signal of WWE’s ongoing rivalry with its newest competitor.
Original Plans for Cena’s Final Match
According to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live, WWE’s initial plan was more subdued. Cena’s final in-ring appearance was scheduled to occur during a WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in early December 2025. This traditional event has provided a platform for major WWE storylines and matches, but it is not typically associated with the same level of spectacle as WWE’s premium live events (PLEs) like WrestleMania or SummerSlam.
This original timing would have allowed Cena’s swan song to stand alone in the wrestling calendar, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate the 16-time world champion’s legacy without any direct competition or distraction from rival promotions.
Potential Clash with AEW Worlds End
However, recent reports suggest that WWE is seriously considering shifting Cena’s farewell match to December 27, the same night as AEW’s Worlds End pay-per-view. While not AEW’s signature show like All In, Worlds End has quickly established itself as one of the promotion’s most important annual events. Featuring marquee matches and long-term storytelling payoffs, it consistently attracts significant attention from wrestling fans and media alike.
By putting John Cena’s final match in direct competition with Worlds End, WWE would be making a bold statement in the ongoing battle for wrestling supremacy. Such a move would not only force fans to choose between two major events, but would also spark conversation and debate across social media and wrestling communities.
Unresolved Details and WWE’s December Schedule
Despite the growing speculation, several key details remain unresolved. WWE currently does not have any premium live event officially scheduled for December 2025. It is unclear whether Cena’s match would be given the spotlight as the main event of a special PLE or if it would still be presented as part of Saturday Night’s Main Event, which traditionally airs on television rather than pay-per-view.
This uncertainty leaves open the possibility for WWE to create an entirely new event centered around Cena’s farewell, maximizing the attention and viewership on what is sure to be an emotional night for fans and the wrestling industry as a whole.
Speculation Surrounding Cena’s Final Opponent
One of the most closely guarded secrets in wrestling right now is the identity of John Cena’s final opponent. With only 12 appearances left on his retirement schedule, anticipation is building for the climactic end to his two-decade-long career.
Early fan speculation centered around names like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, both of whom have storied histories with Cena and would provide a fitting sendoff for the WWE icon. However, the recent surprise return of Brock Lesnar has added a new layer of intrigue. Lesnar and Cena have a long and brutal history in the ring, making a potential final showdown between the two one of the most compelling possibilities for fans.
Industry Impact of the Head-to-Head Scheduling
Should WWE proceed with scheduling Cena’s farewell against AEW’s Worlds End, the wrestling world will be watching closely. This move could reshape the end-of-year wrestling calendar, forcing fans and commentators to pay attention not just to the matches, but to the strategic maneuvers of wrestling’s biggest companies. In an industry built on competition, spectacle, and surprise, the potential clash between WWE and AEW on December 27, 2025, may set a new standard for the ongoing rivalry.
