What’s Next for John Cena After Backlash 2025? CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Rock or Drew McIntyre Await

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John Cena's Next Opponent: Cena vs CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Rock or Drew McIntyre— As John Cena’s farewell tour nears its climax, the WWE Universe is buzzing with speculation: Who will be the next to challenge the 17-time World Champion after his highly anticipated clash with Randy Orton at Backlash 2025?

With Cena set to retire by year’s end, each match carries historic weight. Some of the potential contenders—Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, The Rock and Drew McIntyre—each bring compelling narratives to the table.

Cody Rhodes: The Redemption Chapter

Cody Rhodes and John Cena delivered a WrestleMania 41 classic, with Rhodes retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship in a match filled with drama and interference from Travis Scott. Despite the loss, Cena remains a looming figure in Rhodes’ title reign. Online speculations suggest that WWE may revisit this rivalry soon after Backlash 2025, potentially setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch.

CM Punk: The Unfinished Business

CM Punk’s return to WWE has reignited interest in a potential showdown with Cena. Their storied rivalry, notably the 2011 Money in the Bank match, remains a highlight in WWE history. With both veterans on a collision course, a final encounter could serve as a fitting chapter in their saga. Speculation points to a possible match at SummerSlam 2025, aligning with Cena’s farewell timeline.

“Say His Name…” – Fans Rally Behind a Dream Match: John Cena vs Joe Hendry

With Joe Hendry gaining rapid popularity in WWE after his viral entrance segments and impressive NXT appearances, fans have taken to social media to express interest in a Cena vs Hendry showdown. Hendry’s charismatic presence, musical promos, and strong fanbase mirror much of what made Cena iconic during his peak. While Hendry isn’t yet a main-event regular, his rising stock and entertainment-first persona make him a unique wildcard option for Cena’s farewell tour.

This potential matchup, while unexpected, has the kind of buzz and crowd engagement WWE thrives on—especially with Cena in the twilight of his career. Could WWE capitalize on Hendry’s momentum and give fans this generational promo battle? Only time will tell, but the seeds of possibility are already being planted online.

Drew McIntyre: The Power Struggle

Drew McIntyre, fresh off a heated feud with CM Punk in 2024, is another formidable contender. A clash between McIntyre and Cena would pit two powerhouses against each other, offering a fresh dynamic. Given McIntyre’s recent prominence, a match with Cena could be a marquee event in Cena’s final run.

The Final Chapter? Fans Demand Cena vs The Rock III in an Epic Showdown

One of the most talked-about dream scenarios for John Cena’s final WWE match is a trilogy-ending clash with none other than The Rock. Their storied rivalry—headlining back-to-back WrestleManias in 2012 and 2013—stands as one of the most iconic in modern WWE history. With each man holding one victory, fans are calling for a decisive third encounter to settle the score once and for all.

Social media is flooded with fantasy booking ideas, with the most popular being a high-stakes “I Quit” match. Such a stipulation would carry emotional weight and bring closure to two legendary careers, cementing their legacies in a definitive end.

clarkejoseph49:
Cena vs Rock III in an I Quit match.
One final showdown.
The Rock has Cena’s soul.
And he’s the Final Boss, meaning…

Though The Rock’s Hollywood commitments make scheduling difficult, his recent surprise appearances show that anything is possible in the current WWE landscape. A Cena vs Rock III would not only be a massive box-office attraction—it would be the ultimate sendoff fitting for both megastars.

The Road Ahead

While Cena’s immediate focus is on Randy Orton at Backlash 2025, the horizon is filled with potential blockbuster matches. Whether it’s a redemption arc with Cody Rhodes, a rekindled rivalry with CM Punk, a power struggle with Drew McIntyre, a surprise clash against Joe Hendry, or an epic showdown against The Rock, each scenario promises to add a significant chapter to Cena’s illustrious career.

As WWE navigates Cena’s farewell tour, fans can expect a series of high-profile matches that honor his legacy. The coming months will be pivotal in determining how the Cenation Leader bows out, with each opponent offering a unique and compelling storyline.