The Money in the Bank 2024 premium live event should stand as among the most significant in WWE history just for the simple fact that it’s where John Cena announced his retirement.
It seems fitting, and in the world of professional wrestling, one can only wonder if John Cena dropping that bombshell of an announcement at MITB was by conscious choice.
[Related: The Last Time is Now: John Cena announces retirement from WWE at Money in the Bank 2024]
While Money in the Bank, whether the match, the briefcase, of the live event, is not one to usually associate with John Cena, MITB is certainly tied with his history.
In MITB 2021, Cena made a surprise return to confront Universal Champion Roman Reigns, which led to their showdown at SummerSlam. Last year in another surprise return, Cena teased London with a potential WrestleMania hosting.
As for the MITB briefcase, Cena holds the distinction to be the first MITB winner to lose his title match after cashing in. He is also the first champion to lose his title after a successful MITB cash in.
Of course, who can forget Money in the Bank 2011 and his fateful match against CM Punk for the WWE Championship in the aftermath of the Pipebomb promo?
Money in the Bank also has direct ties to WrestleMania, and it once again seems fitting that John Cena’s last WrestleMani was essentially announced at MITB.
The only thing missing now is who takes on the GOAT for his final showcase as an immortal? 2025 is ways away, but let’s roll the dice and fantasy book some matches for the only and only John Cena in Las Vegas next.
WrestleMania 41 — Pipebomb
CM Punk wants it, John Cena probably wants it too. So why not?
Amazingly, Cena and Punk never crossed paths for a match at WrestleMania. They do have a famous “interaction” though, when Punk was an extra in Chicago during Cena’s WrestleMania 22 entrance.
Some 20 years later, a WrestleMania showcase between these two rivals feels like a reward well worth the wait.
WrestleMania 41 — Thrice in a lifetime
John Cena vs. The Rock part 3? It’s a possibility.
Over a decade since their first encounters, John Cena and The Rock remain as the most over stars in WWE. Their brief skirmish in the main event of WrestleMania 40 this year certainly added to the big-fight feel of the WWE title match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes.
If they both want it, Cena vs. Rock still makes a lot of sense. Plus, their head-to-head series is tied, so there’s more than enough material to let the two biggest WWE superstars ever go at it one last time.
WrestleMania 41 - 17 time?
As a 16-time WWE world champion, John Cena shares the record for most world title reigns with Ric Flair.
Cena says he’s more than willing to put in the work to chase no. 17 in 2025 to break the record, so why not go for broke by challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41?
To build up on Rhodes’ historic win at WrestleMania 40, it would be no surprise if he enters the next WrestleMania as still the WWE Champion. Assuming he’s finally free of Bloodline business, taking on Cena in the main event is not only a refreshing take, it could mark a true passing of the torch between the last great babyface to the next one.
WrestleMania 41 - Last Dance
Just for pure nostalgia, John Cena vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania is the move. The two biggest stars of the Ruthless Aggression era, Cena and Orton are arguably 1A and 1B for a whole generation of fans.
For all the matches in their storied rivalry, Cena and Orton surprisingly never had a one-on-one encounter at WrestleMania.
For Cena’s last WrestleMania, all roads might lead to a final showdown with his greatest rival. Actually, “might” could be doing them an injustice. Perhaps all roads should lead to John Cena vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania, one-on-one for the first time ever.
—
"There’s always unfinished business in the WWE, which probably makes this announcement extremely surprising since I’m trying to close up shop,” Cena said during his press conference to expound on his retirement.
"I don’t, and I’ve never put much thought in expectations that are beyond my control. I am in no position to handpick opponents. I’ve always had a wonderful time challenging myself and telling stories with whatever hand I’m dealt, I think that’s part of the allure and part of the excitement of what we’re about to embark on,” he added, speaking on his potential opponents for his farewell tour, which includes WrestleMania 41.
CM Punk, The Rock, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, or whoever. Make sure you can see John Cena in 2025, the last time is now.