WWE icon John Cena has once again addressed the possibility of a third and potentially final match with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, during a panel at FAN EXPO Denver. The 16-time world champion, currently on his retirement tour, made it clear that while the idea is entertaining for fans, it is not something he actively pursues.
“Gosh, fantasy booking. For those who are not inside baseball, fantasy booking is when you take an idea in your head and you're like, man, it would be cool if… That's what I'm hearing here. Man, it would be cool if John Cena could fight The Rock one more time. That, to me, that would be cool,” Cena said. He went on to explain his philosophy over 25 years in WWE: “I've survived and kept a level head over 25 years in the WWE by not setting expectations, by showing up every single day, doing what I'm told and asked to do it to the best of my ability.”
The Legendary Rivalry: Cena vs. The Rock
The rivalry between John Cena and The Rock is one of the most iconic in WWE history. It spanned two WrestleManias, with the first meeting at WrestleMania 28 in 2012 ending in a victory for The Rock. The following year at WrestleMania 29, Cena avenged his loss, tying the series at one win each. The matches were billed as “Once in a Lifetime” but delivered twice due to immense fan demand. Both bouts generated enormous revenue and critical acclaim, showcasing the clash of two eras – Cena’s rapping, never-give-up persona against The Rock’s electrifying charisma and Hollywood pedigree.
Since then, fans have speculated about a third blockbuster encounter. The Rock returned to WWE in 2024, appearing on SmackDown and aligning with Roman Reigns, sparking rumors of a future WrestleMania match. However, Cena’s recent comments suggest he is not the one to initiate such a contest. He noted that he prefers to let creative teams decide his opponents, while he focuses on storytelling within the ring.
Cena’s Retirement Tour and Philosophy
Cena announced his retirement tour in late 2024, signaling that 2025 would be his final year as an active in-ring performer. The tour has already seen him face longtime rivals such as Randy Orton, CM Punk, and potentially others like AJ Styles and Seth Rollins. Each match is framed as a “one last time” encounter, giving fans closure on decades-old rivalries. However, Cena has resisted calls to dictate his own matchups. “I don't like to choose opponents because a lot of times that doesn't work out. What I like to do is get a plan and say, ‘hey, well, can I, as the artist, can I be creative with the plan?'” he explained.
This approach has served Cena well throughout his career. He takes full responsibility for both his triumphs and failures, referencing past controversial moments such as the infamous Nexus angle. “You guys say I buried the Nexus. I got to shoulder that cross forever because that's me. But there are some wins along the way,” Cena admitted, acknowledging the criticism while also accepting praise for his recent renaissance.
Fans and critics have noted that Cena has produced some of the best character work of his career in recent years, particularly in his feuds with Austin Theory and Solo Sikoa. This creative resurgence is partly due to the freedom WWE grants him. “I've earned enough trust that they'll let me do some stupid stuff, and I appreciate it,” he joked.
What Could a Third Match Look Like?
If a third Cena-Rock match were to happen, it would likely be on the biggest stage: WrestleMania 41 in 2025. The Rock, now a major Hollywood star, has a limited schedule with WWE, making any potential match a massive event. However, Cena’s reluctance to push for the match may mean it remains a dream for fans. As he stated, “I don’t allow myself to get too high or too low on ideas because you never know how they turn out. I just work with what I’m given and try to make it special.”
Career Retrospective: From Thuganomics to GOAT
John Cena’s WWE career began officially in 2002, but his rise to superstardom started with his “Dr. of Thuganomics” persona in 2003. He won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, defeating JBL. Over the next decade, he became the face of the company, matching records set by legends like Ric Flair (16 world championships). Cena’s work ethic and ability to connect with children and adults alike made him a polarizing but undeniable success. His “Never Give Up” mantra became synonymous with his character, and his involvement in Make-A-Wish Foundation – granting over 650 wishes – solidified his status as a real-life hero.
After transitioning to part-time status in the late 2010s, Cena focused on Hollywood, starring in films like “Trainwreck,” “Bumblebee,” and “The Suicide Squad.” Yet he always returned to WWE for special appearances, headlining WrestleMania events. Now, as he winds down his in-ring career, each match carries extra weight. The possibility of facing The Rock again would be the ultimate send-off, but Cena remains characteristically humble and team-oriented.
The Business of Fantasy Booking
Fantasy booking is a common practice among wrestling fans, where they imagine dream matches and storylines. Cena’s comments at FAN EXPO Denver highlight the gap between fan desires and the reality of WWE’s scripted product. While a third Cena-Rock match would likely draw huge buyrates, it must fit into the company’s long-term plans and both performers’ schedules. The Rock is currently involved in a storyline with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while Cena is slated for a final run including potential retirements matches at SummerSlam and Survivor Series.
Ultimately, Cena’s philosophy is a testament to his longevity. By not demanding specific opponents, he avoids potential disappointment and maintains a positive relationship with management. “I’ve learned that the best things come when you least expect them,” he concluded, leaving the door open for surprises but not guaranteeing the Rock match fans crave.
Source:MSN News