Three reasons why John Cena facing Gunther in his final match is bad idea

Gunther will be facing John Cena in his final WWE match.

It is now official; At the upcoming edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, John Cena will step into the ring for the final time as he faces ‘The Ring General’ Gunther.

The Ring General earned this opportunity by defeating LA Knight in the finals of the Last Time Is Now Tournament, securing the biggest match of his WWE career. On paper, it is a marquee showdown, one that promises physicality, emotion, and spectacle for John Cena’s farewell.

But not every big match is the right match. And despite Gunther’s excellence, choosing him as Cena’s last opponent raises several concerns.

Below are three key reasons why John Cena vs Gunther, despite its spectacle, was a bad idea for Cena’s final match.

Predictable outcome

For months, fans speculated that Gunther would eventually be John Cena’s final opponent. The belief grew stronger each week, especially with the way the tournament bracket was structured. By the time LA Knight and Gunther reached the finals, most of the WWE Universe already assumed the outcome.

Predictability can kill excitement faster than anything else in wrestling. The lack of surprise has flattened the emotional spark surrounding Cena’s farewell storyline. A final match of this magnitude should carry suspense and genuine uncertainty.

Instead, the announcement confirmed what fans had been expecting for months. A predictable ending seldom makes for a compelling beginning.

Also Read: All matches announced for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event December 2025 so far; John Cena’s final match & more

Could have gone for more younger and upcoming stars

Gunther is officially John Cena’s final-ever opponent. But at 38 years old, The Ring General hardly represents the “next generation.” If WWE wanted a true torch-passing moment, choosing a younger, rising star would have made more sense.

Torch passing traditionally elevates someone still fighting for mainstream recognition. Gunther already has that and more, thanks to multiple title reigns and years of dominance. Giving him John Cena’s last match doesn’t transform his trajectory; it simply adds another accolade to an already stacked career.

Meanwhile, talents like LA Knight could have benefited enormously. A match with Cena, especially a final one, could have redefined a career. Gunther, already established, doesn’t stand to gain nearly as much from this moment.

Now, fans wait to see how Triple H frames this monumental showdown. Gunther’s victory over Knight has already drawn mixed reactions online. And if The Ring General defeats Cena in his final match, backlash may follow.

WWE does not need John Cena to elevate Gunther

A few months ago, Gunther stood across the ring from Goldberg and defeated the Hall of Famer in what became the legendary powerhouse’s retirement match. It was a huge moment, cementing Gunther as a figure capable of closing a chapter in WWE history. His reputation skyrocketed with fans regarding him as one of the most dominant modern-day champions.

Because of this, having Gunther retire another iconic name in the same year feels repetitive. Cena’s final opponent should feel fresh, distinct, and emotionally unique to his career arc. With Gunther already claiming Goldberg’s final match, the emotional impact of facing Cena is diluted.

More importantly, Gunther doesn’t need the spotlight of John Cena’s farewell to elevate his standing. He has already proven himself through historic Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Title reigns. His resume is complete without being the last man to face The Franchise Player.

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