John Cena’s Final Match Set for December 13: Opponent Rumors and WWE Women’s Rivalries

The countdown to John Cena's final match on December 13 is on, and latest insider rumors confirm who it absolutely will not be

In the lead-up to John Cena's much-anticipated final wrestling match on December 13 at WWE's Saturday Night's Main Event, speculation continues to swirl around his opponent. However, new insider reports have clarified who definitely will not step into the ring with Cena for this farewell bout. Additionally, the latest updates provide insights into Cena's vision for involving NXT talents in the event, potential WrestleMania 42 opponents for rising WWE women's world champion Stephanie Vaquer, and health updates from AEW’s recent Women’s Blood and Guts match.

Key points:

• John Cena’s final bout will not feature opponent Adam "Edge" Copeland, as confirmed by insiders due to contract and corporate rivalry issues.
• Cena’s retirement event will spotlight exhibition matches pitting WWE main roster talent against emerging NXT stars, emphasizing Cena’s dedication to nurturing new wrestling talent.
• WWE is considering top stars Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley as potential challengers for Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania 42 in April 2026.
• AEW's inaugural Women's Blood and Guts match concluded with injuries to Jamie Hayter (chipped teeth) and heavy bleeding for Skye Blue, though both are reportedly recuperating well.
• WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella recently turned heel on Raw, setting up a probable women’s world title rivalry with Vaquer, further highlighting the evolving women's division dynamics.

John Cena vs. Edge? No final showdown ahead for WWE legends

John Cena’s retirement tour has been marked by nostalgic reunions and revisiting legendary rivalries, but one highly anticipated clash fans longed for will not materialize: a final match against Adam "Edge" Copeland, the Rated R Superstar. Despite their iconic rivalry in the 2000s, culminating in classic matches like their 2006 Tables, Ladders, and Chairs bout, the current realities of wrestling promotions make this reunion impossible.

Edge is now signed with AEW, WWE's chief competitor, and insiders confirm there have been no talks or negotiations to bridge the corporate divide. Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful Select emphasized the categorical dismissal of the possibility owing to WWE’s efforts to undermine AEW and Tony Khan’s refusal to cooperate on such cross-promotional matches.

Fans of both Cena and Edge must instead cherish their memorable previous encounters, as the prospect of one last iconic showdown remains out of reach.

John Cena champions new talent in final event

As part of his farewell match night on December 13, John Cena has championed featuring NXT’s fresh talent facing off against established main roster wrestlers. This decision aligns with Cena's ongoing commitment to "give back" by providing opportunities for up-and-coming performers to build their profiles on a grander stage.

WWE's NXT brand currently boasts exciting competitors like Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Je'Von Evans, Ricky Saints, and Ethan Page. Their presence in high-profile exhibition matches during Cena’s final night will grant invaluable exposure and test their abilities in front of fervent WWE crowds.

This approach continues Cena's legacy of supporting the future generation of wrestling superstars, as demonstrated in his previous initiatives like the Last Time is Now Tournament.

Stephanie Vaquer positioned for major WrestleMania 42 matches

Stephanie Vaquer, WWE’s reigning Women’s World Champion and one of the company’s breakout stars of 2025, is shaping up for a marquee match at WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18-19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Internal discussions within WWE reportedly center on high-profile opponents Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley. Both stars represent very different but equally potent challenges: Lynch, the Women's Intercontinental Champion and a veteran with proven WrestleMania pedigree, and Ripley, a physically dominant and intense competitor who recently returned from injury.

Vaquer herself has publicly expressed eagerness for a dream match against Ripley, pledging to be a formidable adversary. The potential match-ups promise to be among the most engaging and eagerly anticipated encounters on the WrestleMania card, highlighting the strength and excitement of WWE's women’s division.

AEW’s first women's Blood and Guts match draws acclaim despite injuries

The annual Blood and Guts event hosted by AEW featured, for the first time, a women's match of this brutal format. The bout was widely praised across social media and included notable names such as Skye Blue, Jamie Hayter, Toni Storm, and Kris Statlander.

Injury updates reveal Jamie Hayter sustained some damage, including several chipped teeth, but maintained her tough reputation despite the physical toll. Skye Blue suffered significant bleeding but is reported to be recovering well.

This successful inaugural women’s Blood and Guts match has set the stage for AEW potentially making the contest a recurring staple alongside the men’s version.

Nikki Bella’s heel turn sparks new rivalry with Stephanie Vaquer

Another major storyline is shaping up with WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella's recent heel turn on Raw. Bella, who had been allied with Stephanie Vaquer, attacked the champion following Vaquer’s victory over Raquel Rodriguez, signaling the beginning of a renewed rivalry.

Commentators, including WWE star Big E, have highlighted the importance of Nikki Bella embracing her ruthless side in pursuit of championship glory. Bella, reflecting on her career and impact on women’s wrestling, intends to assert her worth and take control of her narrative as she returns.

Fans can expect Bella to address her motivations and heel turn directly on the upcoming Raw episode at Madison Square Garden, setting the stage for a compelling feud with Vaquer and further elevating the women's title scene moving forward.

Conclusion

As John Cena prepares for his final wrestling chapter, WWE and AEW continue to push forward with fresh talent and evolving rivalries. Cena's retirement marks the end of an era but also highlights his enduring commitment to shaping wrestling's future stars. Meanwhile, Stephanie Vaquer’s rise within WWE and Nikki Bella’s reinvention promise exciting developments within the women’s division, culminating in major WrestleMania spectacle potential. AEW’s expansion of high-intensity women's matches likewise underscores the growing prominence of female wrestlers across promotions. Wrestling fans worldwide are set for a dynamic and memorable season ahead.