The Big Question: Who Will Close the Book on John Cena’s Career?
With Cena’s retirement match scheduled for December 13, 2025, a finale many have waited years to see, speculation has soared over who will be brave enough, good enough, or simply chosen to step into the ring one final time. To determine that, WWE launched “The Last Time Is Now Tournament,” a 16‑man bracket meant to pick Cena’s final opponent. As the tournament unfolds, multiple names remain in the mix, but one of the most outspoken voices in wrestling recently threw his own name into the discussion.
That voice belongs to CM Punk. When asked, Punk didn’t mince words: in his view, he would’ve been “perfect” for Cena’s farewell. But beyond the bravado, Punk offered a thoughtful rationale and, in doing so, gave fans a glimpse into what he believes Cena’s final match should represent.
Why CM Punk Feels He Was the Right Fit
Punk’s argument isn’t based on ego alone. First, there’s history: Punk and Cena have crossed paths before, twice standing among the biggest draws in WWE. That shared legacy carries a sense of respect, mutual recognition, and decades of high‑stakes matches between titans of the ring.
More than that, Punk seems to believe that Cena’s final match should be treated as a defining moment not just for Cena, but for the man stepping into the spotlight after him. Punk said he’d be honored to close that chapter with Cena, acknowledging the gravity of the moment.
That duality legacy + respect is central to why Punk thinks he’d have been the “perfect” opponent. It’s not about proving who’s better, or handing off a title: it’s about giving Cena a send‑off equal to his storied career, while offering a nod to continuity and shared history.
A Tournament With No Guarantees: And Why Punk Also Thinks Another Could Win It
Still, even Punk admits reality may not line up with his ideal scenario. He recognized that someone else, GUNTHER, seems like the frontrunner among the remaining tournament competitors. Punk explained that while he might be perfect on paper, GUNTHER has what it takes right now: unmatched in‑ring ability, presence, and a level of threat that could make Cena’s final match one for the ages.
So Punk is realistic. He isn’t demanding the spot. Instead, he’s offering what he believes would honor Cena’s legacy but also acknowledging that WWE may well choose someone who better fits their long‑term storytelling plans.
What This Debate Reveals About Cena’s Farewell: And Wrestling’s Future
The discussion around Cena’s final match isn’t just a matter of booking or hype. It touches on something deeper: what it means when a legend leaves, and who gets to carry on the legacy.
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Respecting history vs. building the future: A Cena Punk finale would be a bookend to one of WWE’s greatest rivalries, clean, meaningful, and emotionally charged. Meanwhile, choosing a younger star like GUNTHER could be WWE’s way of “passing the torch,” using Cena’s final moment to elevate the next generation.
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Balancing nostalgia and momentum: For longtime fans, a Cena vs. Punk match would feel like coming full circle. For a newer fan or for the company’s long‑term creative goals, launching a fresh main event star via Cena’s sendoff might make more sense.
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Legacy is more than wins and losses: Whatever happens in the ring, the opponent for Cena’s final match will carry symbolic weight. They represent what’s to come after a career defined by hustle, loyalty, and respect, but also a changing era in WWE.
What to Watch From Here
As the tournament narrows and name after name gets eliminated, the tension builds. Will WWE go with a safe, prestige‑driven pick, someone like GUNTHER, or book one final chapter with history: Cena vs. Punk?
If Punk had his way, Cena would end his career with a match that feels like closure, respect, and real emotion. If WWE has other plans, they might use the opportunity to spotlight a rising star, invest in the future, and signal a passing of the torch.
