John Cena farewell tour: revisiting his 5 greatest WWE rivalries

John Cena’s farewell run is down to its final stretch — just ten shows remain — and the wrestling world is on edge. His next stop brings him back to New England for an emotional appearance in Springfield, Massachusetts, fueling speculation about who might step into the ring with the ten-time world champion during these closing dates.

With ticket holders and viewers counting the remaining chances to see Cena perform live, conversations have turned to the most memorable opponents of his career. Here are five of the rivals most closely tied to Cena’s legacy and the storylines that could still shape the farewell tour.

Why these five rivalries matter as Cena winds down his run

John Cena’s career has been defined by headline feuds that mixed athletic moments with sharp promos and moments fans still quote today. Some opponents were brutal physical challenges, others were career-defining narrative clashes — and a few helped transform Cena from rookie prospect to the face of WWE. Below are the rivalries most likely to be referenced (or reignited) as the WWE Universe watches Cena’s exit.

Brock Lesnar: Collision course with the Beast

Past encounters and the recent shock return

When Brock Lesnar reappeared on the SummerSlam stage on Aug. 2, 2025, the moment immediately reset the calendar for any Cena storyline. Lesnar’s return — capped by a signature F-5 delivered to Cena — reopened a rivalry that has been one of the most one-sided in Cena’s career. Across their meetings, Lesnar has left the victor’s mark more often than not, including a high-stakes WWE title win in the early 2000s.

• Head-to-head history: Multiple rematches across pay-per-views and main events have seen Lesnar dominate key moments in the feud.
• Fresh stakes: The two are scheduled to collide again on Sept. 20 at Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis — a match that WWE has reportedly not locked down creatively, keeping fans guessing about who will come out on top.
• Why it matters now: Lesnar’s presence raises the dramatic stakes on Cena’s farewell dates; any physical encounter with the “Beast Incarnate” could be framed as a final, definitive showdown.

Kurt Angle: The veteran who put Cena on the map

How a SmackDown moment changed Cena’s trajectory

One of Cena’s earliest career-defining interactions came when a young Cena answered Kurt Angle’s open challenge on SmackDown in 2002. The exchange — complete with Cena coining his early persona and immediately challenging the established star — helped announce him to a national audience. The pair would face each other several times, and Angle’s willingness to step into a program with an unproven hand is often credited with accelerating Cena’s rise.

• Key moment: The open challenge that introduced Cena’s bravado to mainstream WWE viewers.
• Legacy: Angle is frequently referenced as the veteran who tested and legitimized Cena early on.
• Farewell relevance: Matches with legends like Angle are frequently used in farewell tours to frame a career’s arc — from rookie to icon.

The Rock: WrestleMania flashpoints and heavyweight promos

The rivalry that crossed entertainment and sports

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena created one of WWE’s most visible rivalries in the modern era, mixing real-world star power with in-ring heat. Their feud peaked with two WrestleMania main events that weren’t just matches but big-media cultural moments. Along the way, the two traded jabs — from poking fun at promo habits to lampooning each other’s wardrobe — but the rivalry also drove massive mainstream attention to WWE.

• Big-stage history: Two WrestleMania clashes that drew casual viewers and headlines outside the wrestling bubble.
• Promo duel: Their exchanges are remembered as much for mic work as for physical action.
• Current state: Publicly, the two have reconciled off-camera, but the matches remain cornerstones of both men’s legacies.

CM Punk: Promos, Money in the Bank and a defining rivalry

From the famous “pipebomb” to later clashes

CM Punk’s 2011 on-air tirade reshaped WWE’s storyline landscape and put Punk and Cena at the center of a gritty, intensely personal rivalry. The feud produced a classic Money in the Bank match where Punk walked out with the title, leaving a lasting image of rebellion and unpredictability. Years later, the pair would meet again under different alignments, proving their chemistry endures both in promos and in the ring.

• Turning point: Punk’s 2011 promo and the immediate fallout that followed set the tone for a rivalry layered with real and kayfabe grievances.
• Match legacy: Their encounter at Money in the Bank remains a high-water mark in both men’s careers.
• Modern chapter: Recent meetings — including international events — showed both performers still capable of top-tier work and electric verbal jousts.

Edge: Cash-ins, TLC and a long-running scoreboard

A rivalry built on opportunism and brutal matches

Edge’s feud with Cena mixed opportunistic storytelling with violent stipulation matches. One of the most dramatic beats came when Edge cashed in Money in the Bank and became champion at an Elimination Chamber event, shifting the dynamic between the two. Conversely, Cena claimed a major victory in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs encounter, proving the rivalry could pivot between cunning strategy and sheer physicality.

• Defining moments: Edge’s Money in the Bank cash-in and Cena’s TLC triumph are both frequently replayed highlights.
• Volume of clashes: They met repeatedly over many years, giving fans a sense of an ongoing, evolving feud.
• Where they stand now: Edge’s move to All Elite Wrestling means a rematch during Cena’s farewell tour is unlikely, but the rivalry remains a major chapter in Cena’s story.

What fans should watch for as the tour continues

As Cena’s final dates tick down, promoters and creative teams may lean into nostalgia while also engineering surprises. Expect WWE to reference these high-profile rivalries in promos, video packages, and perhaps in cameo appearances that don’t require full matches but still deliver emotional payoffs. Every return or tease of a past foe raises the possibility of a headline moment — whether that’s a one-off brawl, a surprise contender, or a carefully scripted send-off.

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.