Mark Henry has made a bold suggestion regarding the conclusion of John Cena‘s illustrious wrestling career. He proposes that Cena’s farewell match should serve as a platform to elevate a rising star in WWE. This pivotal event is scheduled for December 13, 2024, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., during Saturday Night’s Main Event.
As speculation mounts about who should be Cena’s final opponent, prominent names such as Gunther, Dominik Mysterio, and Bron Breakker have emerged as potential candidates. Notably, past rivals like The Rock and Edge have also been mentioned in discussions. However, Henry has introduced a fresh name into the mix, advocating for Joe Hendry to take the spotlight in this significant match.
Henry, a WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion, drew parallels to Cena’s own debut in 2002. He recalled how Cena interrupted Kurt Angle on SmackDown, setting the stage for his successful career. Henry emphasized the importance of passing the torch to someone who can carry on Cena’s legacy. “If John Cena wants to give back to the business, you give it to somebody that’s gonna have a career,” Henry stated in an interview with TMZ.
Hendry, currently gaining traction in WWE’s NXT, is expected to officially sign with the organization in early 2026. His burgeoning popularity stems from his unique gimmick and theme song, which have resonated with fans. Despite his success in TNA and NXT, Henry pointed out that Hendry lacks significant wins against top-tier opponents, which makes a victory over Cena particularly impactful.
“Joe is over as hell. But Joe don’t have no skins on the wall,” Henry noted, advocating for Hendry as a candidate who could make a name for himself by defeating Cena in his final match. He highlighted the significance of such a victory, stating, “You’ve gotta give the rub,” referencing the wrestling term for helping elevate another wrestler’s status.
While Hendry has received accolades from industry veterans, including Cena himself, who praised him as “brilliant” and “awesome,” opinions on his suitability as Cena’s final opponent remain divided. Cena expressed confidence in Hendry’s potential during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, stating, “I think he’s gonna be a major player because he loves it and he gets it right.”
As Hendry continues to make appearances in NXT, the anticipation builds for his official signing with WWE. Fans are eager to see him transition to the main roster and are hoping he will fulfill his potential as a major talent in the business.
Another name mentioned in the conversation around Cena’s farewell is Oba Femi, who recently lost the NXT Championship. At 27 years old, Femi is considered a strong contender for future main event status on either RAW or SmackDown.
As the date for Cena’s final match approaches, the wrestling community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the developments surrounding who will face him. The outcome is not just about who retires Cena but also about crafting the next generation of wrestling superstars.
