John Cena’s WWE career has officially concluded, but his legacy continues to impact the wrestling world. On December 13, he faced Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event, marking his final match. In this bout, Cena not only lost but also submitted to Gunther, a wrestler referred to as The Ring General. After years in the ring, Cena announced in 2024 that he would retire at the end of 2025. His farewell tour encompassed a variety of international matches throughout 2025.
During his retirement tour, Cena revisited rivalries with notable wrestlers such as Randy Orton, CM Punk, and Brock Lesnar. Additionally, he embraced the opportunity to face emerging stars like Gunther, Sami Zayn, and Dominik Mysterio. Cena’s commitment to the future of WWE was evident as he visited the WWE Performance Center, mentoring young talent in NXT. He also participated as a special guest at a free training seminar hosted by Bayley for aspiring wrestlers.
Guidance from John Cena: Advice to Maxxine Dupri
Maxxine Dupri, the reigning WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, shared her experience of working with Cena during this period. In an interview with The Wrestling Classic, Dupri expressed gratitude for Cena’s insights. She recounted his emphasis on making the most of every moment and embracing creativity in wrestling. “How can you be different? How can you be creative? How can you think outside the box?” she remembered him asking.
Upcoming Challenges for Maxxine Dupri
In November, Maxxine Dupri claimed the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship by defeating Becky Lynch. She is scheduled to defend her title on January 5, 2026, during a special episode of WWE Raw. This event marks the anniversary of WWE’s debut on Netflix and promises to be a significant occasion for the company.
- Dupri’s Title Defense: January 5, 2026
- Opponent: Becky Lynch
- Event: WWE Raw (Anniversary of Netflix Premiere)
Leading up to the match, Lynch has made several negative comments about Dupri’s championship victory. This upcoming defense offers Dupri the opportunity to silence her critics. Other matches announced for this landmark event include Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky teaming up against the Kabuki Warriors for the WWE Women’s World Championship, and CM Punk facing Bron Breakker for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
