The John Cena WWE retirement tour is winding down with less only eight dates remaining on his scheduled appearances.
Looking at his current schedule, Cena will be appearing on the September 5 episode of SmackDown, which might be his last.
With this episode from Chicago looking to potentially be his last time on the blue brand, WWE should think about putting Cena in a final bout on the show he started his run with the company on.
Here are eight potential John Cena final WWE SmackDown opponents.
8. Drew McIntyre
During the build to WWE Clash In Paris 2025, it was Drew McIntyre who got in Logan Paul’s ear to motivate him to go after John Cena.
Telling Paul that Cena is not the same as he was in 2010, McIntyre has been adamant that the legend is not in his prime anymore.
McIntyre is on the road to facing Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship sometime down the line and needs key wins to get there.
McIntyre potentially defeating Cena would solidify his spot as the number one contender for the top prize on SmackDown potentially at WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025.
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7. Jacob Fatu
No one on the WWE roster has been on a more rapid rise up the ladder more than Jacob Fatu since signing in June 2024.
Now officially a babyface, Fatu has become one of the most popular stars on the roster and has been tearing it up on SmackDown.
If Cena wants to close out his career getting the next generation ready, he should step inside the squared circle with ‘The Samoan Werewolf’ before his retirement.
On potentially his final SmackDown ever, there is no better choice to face Cena than Jacob Fatu right now.
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6. Logan Paul
At WWE Clash In Paris 2025, John Cena defeated Logan Paul in a show-stealing bout.
Coming off the heels of this match, many fans are wondering what will be next for the social media megastar.
With Cena likely making his final appearance on Friday Night SmackDown, Paul could step up to challenge Cena for a rematch in Chicago.
Paul being Cena’s final opponent on SmackDown would make for an intriguing television bout to watch unfold.
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5. Solo Sikoa
Solo Sikoa and The MFTs have been running roughshod over the SmackDown brand since putting together his group.
With Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa and JC Mateo by his side, Sikoa has been one of the most prominently featured heels on the blue brand.
Coming off of losing the United States Championship to Sami Zayn on the August 29 SmackDown, Solo will need some massive wins to build his momentum back.
Sikoa recapturing the magic of his huge win from WWE Crown Jewel 2023 against Cena would be the best way for the former champion to get back on solid ground over on SmackDown.
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4. Randy Orton
At WWE Backlash 2025, John Cena defeated Randy Orton to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The controversial finish to this bout might leave a sour taste in the mouths of the fans who wanted to see this rivalry come to a close in clean fashion.
While Orton is busy dealing with Drew McIntyre, ‘The Legend Killer’ could take a break and go at it with his longtime rival on SmackDown.
Orton clashing with Cena one last time would feel like a PLE worthy main event that fans would eat up on the September 5 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
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3. The Miz
The Miz has to be one of the most longstanding rivals of John Cena who has not been able to mix it up with the legend during his retirement tour.
‘The A Lister’ has been distracted by his exploits alongside Carmelo Hayes as Melo Don’t Miz where they have been trying to win the WWE Tag Team Championship on SmackDown.
Looking to prove his value to his tag team partner, The Miz could challenge Cena for one final bout on the upcoming SmackDown.
The Miz facing Cena would make for a WrestleMania 27 rematch that could get more fans to watch this episode of SmackDown to see them clash one last time.
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2. Carmelo Hayes
Speaking of The Miz, his tag team partner Carmelo Hayes has been growing frustrated with his Melo Don’t Miz duo.
The former NXT Champion has been experiencing some growing pains not getting opportunities he believes he deserves as of late.
Melo stepping up to show John Cena that he has “Ruthless Aggression” would be a very cool and unique full-circle moment.
After he has proclaimed Cena as a role model for his career, Melo could take down his fellow Massachusetts native in his final SmackDown match.
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1. Sami Zayn
On the August 29 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Sami Zayn defeated Solo Sikoa to win the WWE United States Championship.
Now that he is officially part of the SmackDown roster, it looks like Zayn should be established as one of the top stars on the brand.
Back in 2015, Zayn made his main roster debut in a loss to Cena during his legendary United States Championship open challenge run.
Now 10 years later, Sami has the chance to put up that same title against arguably its greatest ever champion on Cena’s final SmackDown.
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