John Cena has revealed how much creative control he has surrounding his final-ever WWE opponent.

Gunther is reportedly lined up to face John Cena in his final WWE match following on from the Austrian retiring Goldberg at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Cena’s WWE retirement tour has been controversial, with some fans calling his shocking heel persona a misstep.

With a select number of dates left, Cena has opened up about how much input he’ll have when it comes to his final opponent.

John Cena says he doesn’t need to pick his final WWE opponent

Cena appeared at the FAN EXPO Denver 2025 and fielded questions about his career from professional wrestling fans.

One fan asked Cena whether there was a possibility he could face The Rock in his final WWE match, and the 17-time champion revealed he doesn’t have any input about his opponents.

“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 asking to do it to the best of my ability,” revealed Cena.

“Where I ask for freedom—where I ask for creative expression—is not in the selection of my opponent,” added Cena. “It is in the process of how we put forth the work to you guys.”

Cena has faced Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk in 2025, with matches against AJ Styles and Gunther expected before his retirement.

WWE Hall of Famer says current star could break John Cena record

WWE Hall of Famer JBL has named one star who could beat Cena’s record of 17 World Championships in the company.

The wrestling veteran believes Orton could be the guy to break the star’s legendary record, which he earned by beating Rhodes for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41.

“Randy may break the all-time record and Randy deserves to, he’s that good,” said JBL on his podcast Something to Wrestle.

Orton is currently on 14 World Championships in WWE, three behind Cena’s record. The pair faced each other for the championship at Backlash, which was won by Cena.