John Cena’s retirement tour continues to generate headlines, but fans hoping for a blockbuster rematch with AJ Styles will be disappointed. According to insider reports, WWE has officially scrapped Cena vs Styles from the list of planned opponents.
This update came from Billi Bhatti on the Dirty Sheets Wrestling Informer podcast. Bhatti revealed that while WWE considered multiple dream opponents for Cena’s farewell run, several names had to be taken off the board due to availability issues.
Names Removed from Cena’s Opponent List
Bhatti explained that Kevin Owens was initially penciled in, but an injury has ruled him out. Similarly, Adam Copeland (formerly Edge) is no longer an option after leaving WWE for AEW.
Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, was AJ Styles being cut from the lineup. Fans had been hoping for one final clash between the two veterans, but WWE appears to have gone in another direction.
Bhatti said:
“What I know they’re not doing is they are no longer doing John Cena versus AJ Styles.”
Cena vs Styles: A Rivalry That Defined SmackDown
For longtime fans, this news stings. Cena and Styles had one of the most iconic rivalries of the modern era. Their feud kicked off in 2016 following the brand split and quickly became a highlight of SmackDown.
The rivalry delivered classics at Money in the Bank 2016, SummerSlam 2016, and the Royal Rumble 2017. By the time they clashed again on SmackDown in early 2018, their singles record stood at 2–2, proving just how evenly matched they were.
Beyond singles matches, they also crossed paths in multi-man bouts at No Mercy 2016, Elimination Chamber 2017, and Fastlane 2018, cementing their rivalry as one of WWE’s most memorable of the last decade.
A final showdown during Cena’s retirement tour would have been the perfect send-off for their rivalry — but it looks like WWE has chosen another path.
Brock Lesnar Likely Cena’s Final Opponent
So why was Styles dropped? Reports suggest that WWE is prioritizing a marquee clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar at WrestlePalooza on September 20. While the match is not yet officially announced, multiple insiders indicate it is “very much expected.”
The Cena–Lesnar rivalry has been central to WWE for over two decades, from their early 2000s battles to SummerSlam 2014, where Lesnar famously dominated Cena in a shocking squash match.
If this is indeed Cena’s final chapter, WWE seems to believe that Lesnar provides the bigger “big fight feel” compared to Styles.
Closing Thoughts
While the idea of Cena vs AJ Styles one more time thrilled fans, WWE has opted for a different route. Instead of rekindling one of the best modern rivalries, the company appears set on delivering Cena vs Lesnar as the headline attraction of his farewell tour.
The decision raises questions among fans: did WWE make the right call in dropping Cena vs Styles? Or would one last chapter in their rivalry have been a more fitting tribute to Cena’s legacy?
What do you think? Should WWE have booked Cena vs Styles instead of Brock Lesnar? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Read Also in Hindi: John Cena vs AJ Styles WWE रिटायरमेंट टूर से हटा
