John Cena has announced that he will be entering the 2025 Royal Rumble for possibly the final time. The 16-time World Champion will be one of thirty competitors fighting for a chance to headline Wrestlemania 41 live from Las Vegas. Cena is no stranger to winning one of the year’s biggest events. It was so nice, the former “Dr. of Thugonomics” did it twice. Cena has announced that he will have a farewell tour leading up to Wrestlemania, and the “tour bus” will begin at the fan-favorite Rumble. Could Cena do the unthinkable and outlast 29 other superstars?
John Cena’s Royal Rumble History
Humble Beginnings
John Cena made his Royal Rumble debut in his rookie year in 2003. The “American Badass” Undertaker eliminated the future GOAT after surviving 9 minutes 38 seconds after entering the Rumble at number 18. Cena was just getting a taste of what the future held as one of the brightest new stars in the company. In 2005, Cena was the runner-up of the Rumble, losing to Batista with the infamous botch finish.
Both superstars go over the top rope and hit the floor simultaneously. Fans thought that this may have been a reminiscent ending to the 1994 Royal Rumble, where Bret “Hitman” Hart and Lex Luger were both declared winners after tumbling. This was not the case in ’05. Chairman, Vince McMahon stormed out from the “Gorilla Position” diving into the ring. He gave the fans one of the most memorable moments as he tore both of his quads, screaming at the two wrestlers from the seat of his pants.
Outlasting 29 Superstars Twice
John Cena, “Mr. Never Give Up,” would do just that in 2008. He entered the Rumble to a shock to Madison Square Garden at number 30. This was only a couple of months after suffering a torn pectoral. He surprised everyone, but Triple H may have thought he saw a ghost. The rivalry renewed with The Game as Cena eliminated him last to win his first Royal Rumble match.
Cena would win his 2nd Royal Rumble in 2013, becoming the 4th wrestler in history to win the event multiple times. He would join the exclusive group of Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to win the Royal Rumble match twice. Cena eliminated the “Big Guy” Ryback to punch his ticket to Wrestlemania.
How Cena’s Rumble Return Could Play Out
There have been many rumors that WWE would like to see its “Golden Boy,” John Cena, break the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair’s record for most Heavyweight Championships. The two are currently tied for the most championships in wrestling history. Is it possible for Cena to win his 3rd Royal Rumble, tying Stone Cold’s record, and going on to ‘Mania to win the title once more? That would make him the lone record holder.
Now we know the NFL is all about their storylines like WWE, this move for Cena to win the title and leave on top would be similar to Peyton Manning winning the Super Bowl in his last season with the Broncos after announcing his retirement at the beginning of the season. It is typical tradition for a wrestler to lose their final match, but could the rules change for one of the most influential superstars of all time?
Most likely, the “Cenation” won’t see him win the 2025 Royal Rumble. I think this is something he wants to do for fun and to do one more time. He will probably get a huge pop at a pivotal time in the match, and I can see him being the runner-up to the match, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The other angle that WWE likes to do is have the person who eliminates Cena in the lead-up to his Wrestlemania 41 retirement match.
Final Thoughts
Love him or hate him, John Cena is one of the biggest wrestlers of all time. There are only a few wrestlers who have been able to transcend into pop culture the way he has. In an era catered to kids, he was the top merch seller and made millions upon millions for himself and the company. The Royal Rumble is one of the most popular events of the year, and it will be great to see the GOAT in one more.
Especially the possible run-ins with former rivals Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Randy Orton. Fans are excited to see not only if he can win his third but also what rival may rekindle for his last Wrestlemania match. February 1st, 2025 “The Champ is Here!” Will you be able to see him? I don’t think so!
