Several John Cena retirement tour matches scrapped by WWE: Report

Blesson has been a part of Khel Now since 2023, he covers Combat Sports & Gaming.

Published at :August 26, 2025 at 6:23 PM

Modified at :August 26, 2025 at 6:23 PM

WWE SummerSlam John Cena SmackDown Clash in Paris

(Courtesy : WWE)

John Cena is currently on his WWE retirement tour!

John Cena’s farewell run has already been one of the most talked-about stories in wrestling this year, but behind the scenes, not everything has gone according to plan.

According to insider Billi Bhatti on the Dirty Sheets Wrestling Informer podcast, WWE had to shuffle its deck when it came to Cena’s final list of opponents, with several major names falling off the board.

While Cena is expected to wrap up his legendary career in December, the original vision for his retirement tour looked different.

Injuries, contractual exits, and creative pivots have reshaped the landscape, forcing WWE to get creative with its matchups.

AJ Styles’ match reportedly pulled from John Cena’s farewell run

Bhatti explained that AJ Styles was initially penciled in as one of Cena’s marquee opponents. Their rivalry in 2016 and 2017 was one of the highlights of the SmackDown brand split era, producing instant classics at Money in the Bank, SummerSlam, and the Royal Rumble.

“As for who his opponents will be, I have absolutely no idea what they are planning to do,” Bhatti said. “What I know they’re not doing is they are no longer doing John Cena versus AJ Styles. Kevin Owens was another one but Kevin Owens is injured. Adam Copeland — Edge — is no longer in the company.”

The news is disappointing for fans who hoped for a final chapter in one of Cena’s greatest rivalries. The two men remain tied in singles victories, making their unfinished story even more bittersweet.

John Cena vs Brock Lesnar takes priority

WWE SummerSlam John Cena Brock Lesnar (1) SmackDown — EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 03: Brock Lesnar throws John Cena during the WWE 2025 SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 03, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Instead of Styles, WWE is reportedly leaning toward a blockbuster clash between Cena and Brock Lesnar at WrestlePalooza on September 20. While the match has yet to be formally announced, it has been described as “very much expected.”

Booking Cena against The Beast Incarnate one final time seems to have taken priority, pushing Styles and others out of the frame. Kevin Owens’ injury and Adam Copeland’s move to AEW further complicated WWE’s early retirement tour plans.

Who were the scrapped opponents for John Cena’s retirement tour?

According to Billi Bhatti, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and Adam Copeland were all considered but later removed.

Why won’t Cena face AJ Styles again?

WWE prioritized a potential Cena vs. Brock Lesnar showdown, while Owens’ injury and Copeland’s AEW contract ruled them out.

When is John Cena’s final match expected to happen?

Cena is expected to wrestle his final match in December 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Blesson

Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.