Top three WrestleMania 41 matches John Cena can have if he fails to win WWE Elimination Chamber 2025

John Cena recently lost the Royal Rumble match

After barely failing to win the 2025 WWE Men’s Royal Rumble battle, John Cena has been the clear favorite to win the Elimination Chamber battle. The Cenation Leader is largely predicted to win inside the famous structure for the fourth time and face Cody Rhodes for his 17th World Title at WrestleMania 41. However, with a formidable field of opponents standing in his path, victory is far from certain.

If the 16-time World Champion falls short again in his quest for ’17’ in his last Show Of Shows, he will need an alternate method. This may be a dream match against a new opponent, a rematch of a famous rivalry, or the pursuit of an award that has evaded him during his 23-year career. Even without a world title in the mix, Cena’s farewell ‘Mania may be memorable.

Here are three potential matchups for John Cena at WWE WrestleMania 41 if he fails to win the 2025 Elimination Chamber.

3. Drew McIntyre

John Cena and Drew McIntyre will face off in the 2025 WWE Men’s Elimination Chamber Match. While The Cenation Leader is a heavy favorite to win, The Scottish Warrior is something of a dark horse. Despite doing some of the finest heel work of his career, the 39-year-old is not on many people’s shortlists to fight Cody Rhothedes for the Undisputed WWE Title in Las Vegas.

Drew McIntyre wants a match and promo time with John Cena(via Babyfaces) pic.twitter.com/AWdF8cEgsp

— WrestlingWorldCC (@WrestlingWCC) January 10, 2025

If both men fall short within the famous steel structure, neither will have a clear path to The Showcase of Immortals. This might result in McIntyre becoming Cena’s last opponent on The Grandest Stage of Them All, and perhaps defeating the 16-time World Champion. Given the three-time world champion’s current heelwork, this would be a big boost to his career.

It would also further The Franchise Player’s tale of overcoming a losing streak and returning to past greatness, when he pursued his 17th title later in the season.

2. CM Punk

CM Punk is one of John Cena’s most formidable opponents in WWE. The two had probably the most memorable feud of the PG Era, with instant classics like their Money In The Bank Match in 2011 and legendary promo sequences like the infamous Pipebomb. Despite their famous history, the two have never competed at WrestleMania.

If Triple H and his creative staff decide to do a Royal Rumble-style swerve and have a fresher star win the Elimination Chamber, Punk and Cena may have a last chapter at WrestleMania 41. The Voice of the Voiceless and Cenation Leader would almost certainly steal the show in the buildup with their explosive promo segments, and their in-ring chemistry would nearly ensure a hit.

If Cena does not win the Chamber fight, concluding a legendary feud on the Grandest Stage would be a fitting way to conclude his WrestleMania career.

1. Bron Breakker

Aside from a record 17th World Title, John Cena has yet to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Despite winning the United States championship five times, the former Chain Gang soldier has never won the promotion’s oldest midcard title in Stamford. The conspicuous gap on The Cenation Leader’s CV prevents him from claiming to be a Grand Slam champion.

This match needs to happen in 2025.Bron Breakker vs. John Cena. pic.twitter.com/AduoEqYfCw

— Pro Wrestling Finesse (@ProWFinesse) July 19, 2024

If Cena does not win the Elimination Chamber, what better option for him than to challenge Bron Breakker, a future face of the organization, for the illusive title? The Franchise Player might dethrone The Unpredictable Badass in his final ‘Mania appearance, completing the grand slam and setting up a possible retirement rematch in the future.

Imagine Breakker getting his WrestleMania retribution by defeating John Cena in December and capturing his first world championship from the then-17-time world champion! That would be passing the torch!

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