The Rock reveals his influence in John Cena's final opponent for WWE SNME

By Abhijit Singh

Abhijit has been telling sports stories through his words at Khel Now since 2024. He covers Pro wrestling, MMA, Boxing & Formula 1.

Published at :October 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM

Modified at :October 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM

(Courtesy : WWE)

The Rock was a big part of John Cena’s historic heel turn!

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has been receiving a lot of heat from pro wrestling since his WWE absence, after being heavily involved in the build-up to Elimination Chamber, including what many believe was his influence behind John Cena’s shocking heel turn. Fans expected a massive payoff on ‘The Grandest Stage of Them All’.

But when WrestleMania 41 rolled around, “The Final Boss” was nowhere to be found. This left many fans furious, and Johnson explained his absence in a conversation with Pat McAfee, stating the final boss’s inclusion in the story wasn’t necessary anymore.

As Cena’s retirement tour comes to an end with only four dates left, The Rock, in a recent appearance, has revealed that he has a ‘tiny bit of influence‘ in booking Cena’s final match.

The Rock hinted at being John Cena’s final opponent

The Rock Roman Reigns WWE RAW — (Courtesy: WWE/Netflix)

In a recent appearance on the New Heights podcast, Johnson was asked who he thinks should be John Cena’s opponent in the 16-time World Champion’s final WWE match. Johnson responded, stating that he does have some influence, it ultimately comes down to who Cena wants to face.

“I have a tiny bit of influence in the booking of it, but really it’s whoever John wants. That’s what it comes down to. Whoever he wants. That should be who it is.”

The Final Boss jokingly hinted that he could be Cena’s final opponent, but then emphasized that the decision should ultimately be Cena’s and went on to praise the 17-time WWE World Champion.

“It’s not me, Nick Khan, or Triple H. It’s whoever John wants. That guy has earned it. The best part about John is that he comes as advertised. Who you think he is, that’s who he is. He’s a good dude, and I love that guy.”

John Cena‘s final match is set to take place in Washington, D.C., on December 13. Cena’s final match will headline the show in the nation’s capital. The Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., will host Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, marking the venue for the historic final match of Cena‘s legendary career.

When and where will John Cena’s final retirement match take place?

John Cena’s final match is set to take place in Washington, D.C., on December 13. Cena’s final match will headline the show in the nation’s capital at The Capital One Arena.

Who will be John Cena’s final opponent?

According to the Wrestling Observer, ‘The Ring General’ Gunther will be John Cena’s last opponent. WWE might announce a tournament to decide Cena’s final challenger, with Gunther emerging as the winner of that tournament.

What did The Rock say about deciding Cena’s final opponent?

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Abhijit Singh

Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.