Some new evidence may point to John Cena’s historic 17th title reign coming to an end next weekend at SummerSlam 2025.
We are at the midway point of future Hall of Famer John Cena’s yearlong retirement tour. For the majority of it, he has been the holder of the WWE world title. After dethroning Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 in April. Many believe he could hold on to the belt until his final match in December. Or maybe not
“The Unseen 17” will face Rhodes in a rematch next Sunday for his title. With Rhodes being the top babyface in WWE, it would be very surprising for him to take another huge loss to Cena. That is already enough reason to create speculation about a title change. However, there may be more proof that the wrestling legend will drop the gold at SummerSlam.
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Reports have emerged this week of what looks to be the final 10 dates on Cena’s schedule for the rest of 2025. Which can be viewed above. You’ll notice he makes a lot of appearances in August, six to be exact, and then there is a steep decline from then on.
The first is the final SmackDown before SummerSlam, and then next weekend’s event. It would make sense if he dropped the belt at the summer spectacle. Then the four dates he has the rest of the month are his reaction to the defeat, and then setting up a third and final match with Rhodes to end the feud.
Three of the dates are in Europe. Most likely so Cena can say goodbye to fans in the region and maximize ticket sales there for his retirement tour. After Clash in Paris (the date for a trilogy bout?), he only has five appearances left on his schedule. Two in September, then one each in October, November, and his final bout in December.
It would be difficult to set up meaningful title matches in the final four months of the year if he is making few appearances. It could be possible that he retains at SummerSlam and then loses the belt in France. But that seems very unlikely based on WWE’s booking history.
We will all find out next weekend when John Cena headlines night two of WWE SummerSlam 2025 in East Rutherford, NJ.
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