John Cena on choosing final WWE opponent: ‘I’ve never operated like that’

Appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night, John Cena addressed how his final WWE opponent will be chosen.

Cena reiterated that he does not handpick his opponents, and that won’t be changing for his last match. He’s fine with whoever WWE chooses to stand opposite the ring from him.

“No, no. I’ve never operated like that,” Cena responded when asked if he has a final opponent in mind. “I’ve just always kind of been reliable, showing up, and doing whatever I’m asked. And I really want this tour to be, not only special — it’ll always be special for me because you guys [the fans] are out there — I want it to be special for the business. My goal has always been to leave WWE better than I found it. So whoever they deem appropriate to get that energy, man, I’m cool with that.”

Cena said he has 11 dates left before the end of his in-ring career. His last match is expected to take place on a yet-to-be-announced episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event in Boston this December.

Though he wishes there had been more time on the clock, Cena’s body told him it was time to wind his in-ring career down. He also does not want to take any time away from the younger wrestlers who are making their mark in WWE today.

“I also remember when I was a young kid back in 2002 thinking I’d never get a chance,” the 48-year-old Cena said. “And then when I did, I came up with like a young, hungry class. And I think if I hang around any longer than now, I’m just taking time away from those young guys who can be the next chance to make an impact. It’s time, man. It’s time.”

Cena said he’ll reflect back on his career once this retirement tour concludes, but he’s just enjoying being in the moment right now. He’s excited to head to France for SmackDown in Lyon on August 29 and his match against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris on August 31.

After that, it looks like Cena and Brock Lesnar will headline a PLE that WWE is planning to hold in Indianapolis on September 20. Lesnar recently made his return to WWE by attacking Cena at SummerSlam.