Who will be the next opponent of John Cena?

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 24, 2025, 19:30 IST

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John Cena's WrestleMania 41 victory, marking his 17th world title win, was followed by a shocking heel turn. Randy Orton immediately stepped up as a challenger, setting the stage for a Backlash 2025 showdown. Potential contenders like Damian Priest and Sami Zayn also loom.

Who will be the next opponent of John Cena?

Image via WWE

John Cena’s victory at WrestleMania 41 not only crowned him the new Undisputed WWE Champion, but also saw him break Ric Flair’s long-standing record with a 17th world title. With this historic feat, Cena now stands alone in WWE’s record books - yet his reign has only just begun. As fans celebrate or criticize his heel turn, the question that looms large is: who will challenge Cena next?

Randy Orton emerges as a prime contender

The clearest answer came just one night later on Raw. As Cena delivered a scathing promo targeting fans, But just as the promo neared its end, Randy Orton entered the picture with an RKO that sent shockwaves through the crowd.

The moment wasn’t just nostalgia, it was a statement. Orton has long teased wanting one final battle with Cena, and with Backlash 2025 set in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis, it seems WWE is building towards a legendary confrontation between two of its most storied names.

While Orton may be the first challenger, he’s unlikely to be the last. Damian Priest has been gaining traction, and though he came up short at WrestleMania 41, he remains a credible threat in the title scene. A match between Cena and Priest would be a fresh encounter and could serve as a test for the rising star on a major stage.

Sami Zayn and CM Punk looms as a great option

Sami Zayn is another contender who could deliver an emotional storyline. The underdog babyface once challenged Cena in his main roster debut back in 2015. With Cena now embracing his villainous side, Zayn’s natural connection with the fans could offer a powerful contrast and generate significant interest.
Of course, there’s also the wildcard - CM Punk. Their rivalry from the early 2010s helped define a generation of WWE, and recent interactions have rekindled hopes of a final chapter. A title match between Cena and Punk on the retirement tour would not only excite fans but also add deeper meaning to Cena’s farewell.
With Cena’s own retirement tour now confirmed, the months ahead are expected to feature major moments and emotionally charged rivalries. While his reign has just begun, WWE fans are bracing for an unforgettable final run.
Backlash 2025 may set the tone, but as always in WWE, surprises are never far behind

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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