John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar: The Final Showdown on the Road to Wrestlepalooza

 

The epic rivalry between John Cena and Brock Lesnar is set to reignite one final time at WWE Wrestlepalooza, streaming live on September 20, 2025. This clash of titans, which will open the event, marks a historic moment not only for the two legends but also for WWE's new partnership with ESPN. For Cena, this match is a critical chapter in his retirement tour, while Lesnar aims to reaffirm his dominance after a two-year absence from the ring.

A Storied History

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar: The Final Showdown on the Road to Wrestle palomino 

Cena and Lesnar have faced each other six times in one-on-one matches, with Lesnar holding a 4-2 advantage. Their last singles encounter was at Night of Champions in 2014, where Cena won via disqualification. Despite their limited number of matches, their legacies are deeply intertwined. Both began their careers in Ohio Valley Wrestling and rose to become iconic champions, shaping the landscape of WWE over the past two decades.

The Road to Wrestlepalooza

The buildup to this match began at SummerSlam 2025, where Cena lost the WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes. In a shocking post-match moment, Lesnar returned after a lengthy absence and attacked Cena with an F-5. This assault continued on the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown, where Lesnar brutalized both Cena and Sami Zayn during a United States Championship match. These actions solidified Lesnar's role as the relentless "Beast Incarnate" and set the stage for their final confrontation.

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar: The Final Showdown on the Road to Wrestlepalooza

For Cena, this match is part of his retirement tour, which he announced in July 2024. His goal was to break Ric Flair's record of 16 world championships, which he achieved at WrestleMania 41 by defeating Cody Rhodes, albeit with the help of a heel turn and interference from The Rock and Travis Scott. However, Cena quickly abandoned his short-lived villainous persona, acknowledging that it was not true to his character. His match against Lesnar represents another opportunity to prove his resilience before retiring in December 2025.

Why This Match Matters

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar: The Final Showdown on the Road to Wrestlepalooza

· Legacy Defining Moment: This match offers Cena a chance to tie his series with Lesnar or end his career with a statement win against one of his most formidable rivals.

· Lesnar's Return: For Lesnar, a victory would reestablish his dominance after a two-year hiatus and position him as a continued force in WWE.

· Strategic Booking: Originally promoted as the main event, the match was moved to the opening spot to counter-program AEW's All Out event and to kick off WWE's new ESPN partnership with a bang. This decision also allows other high-profile matches, such as Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre or the mixed tag team match featuring CM Punk and AJ Lee, to close the show.

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Potential Outcomes

Analysts and fans have speculated on several possible outcomes for this match:

· Best-Case Scenario: A hard-fought battle with interference from The Rock, setting up a final match for Cena against The Rock before retirement.

· Worst-Case Scenario: A "Super Cena" victory that undermines Lesnar's resurgence and feels repetitive to fans.

· Most Likely Scenario: Lesnar wins, giving Cena one final obstacle to overcome before his retirement while protecting Lesnar's credibility as a dominant force.

Conclusion

The final clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza is more than just a match; it is a culmination of a decade-long rivalry that has defined eras of WWE. As Cena's retirement tour winds down, this encounter symbolizes the end of an era, while Lesnar's return reminds fans of the relentless intensity that has made him a legend. Whether it opens or closes the show, this match is sure to be a memorable highlight of Wrestlepalooza, streaming live on ESPN App in the U.S. and Netflix internationally.

For more updates on WWE Wrestlepalooza, follow us on social media or visit the official WWE website.