The Final Chapter? Why Brock Lesnar’s Return Could Mark John Cena’s Last Ride

SummerSlam 2025 delivered a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe: the thunderous return of Brock Lesnar. Just when it seemed John Cena’s emotional “passing the torch” moment with new Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes had concluded Night 2, “The Beast Incarnate” stormed the ring, delivering a devastating F5 to Cena. This wasn’t just a shocking return; it has all the hallmarks of a defining moment that could, very well, usher in the end of John Cena’s unparalleled in-ring career.

Cena himself has been clear: 2025 is his final year as an active competitor. He’s spoken about a limited schedule and a true farewell. The loss of the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, a poignant moment of respect and transition, felt like a significant step in that direction. But Lesnar’s unannounced assault has thrown a massive wrench into those plans, or rather, given them an incredibly compelling, high-stakes final chapter.

It’s no secret that John Cena wanted Brock Lesnar to be part of his retirement tour. Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, confirmed this, stating that Cena himself provided a “wishlist” for his final run, and Lesnar was on it. This isn’t just a random act of aggression; it’s a carefully orchestrated re-ignition of one of WWE’s most intense and personal rivalries.

The parallels to The Undertaker’s eventual retirement are striking. While The Deadman had a legendary “Streak” that was ultimately broken by Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30, his journey to retirement wasn’t a single event. It was a series of defining matches against top-tier opponents, culminating in the cinematic masterpiece that was his Boneyard Match against AJ Styles. In many ways, that final, symbolic defeat against a formidable opponent cemented his legacy and provided a definitive end to his in-ring career.

Could John Cena be heading for a similar fate against Brock Lesnar? The setup is perfect. Lesnar’s return, unannounced and violent, immediately positions him as the ultimate antagonist for Cena’s farewell. A definitive loss to a dominant force like Lesnar would not diminish Cena’s legacy but rather solidify his status as a legendary figure willing to put it all on the line, even in his final moments.

Imagine the narrative: John Cena, the face of WWE for over a decade, having passed the torch to the new generation with Cody Rhodes, now faces his most brutal and unforgiving rival one last time. A final, grueling battle where Cena leaves everything in the ring, potentially falling to the sheer power of “The Beast.” This would be a retirement that resonates, a brutal and impactful conclusion fitting for someone who has given so much to the business

Imagine the narrative: John Cena, the face of WWE for over a decade, having passed the torch to the new generation with Cody Rhodes, now faces his most brutal and unforgiving rival one last time. A final, grueling battle where Cena leaves everything in the ring, potentially falling to the sheer power of “The Beast.” This would be a retirement that resonates, a brutal and impactful conclusion fitting for someone who has given so much to the business.

While the specifics of when and where this potential Cena vs. Lesnar showdown will occur remain to be seen, the stage is set. With John Cena’s announced retirement looming and Brock Lesnar back in the fold, a match between these two titans feels inevitable. And if it follows the path of legendary send-offs, it just might be the most fitting and impactful way for John Cena to finally hang up his jorts, mirroring the definitive, high-stakes conclusion that marked The Undertaker’s final bow. The Cenation better be ready for a fight, because this could truly be the end of an era.

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