John Cena’s Next Challengers For The WWE Championship Following Backlash

The Champ could soon renew his old rivalry in a match 12 years in the making as the hunt for John Cena’s next challengers has begun. Cena defeated his long-time enemy Randy Orton at Backlash and is firmly standing at the top of WWE. With his farewell tour in full swing, the question on everyone’s mind: who steps up next? The field’s stacked, the stories are simmering, and the stakes have never been higher. There are rumors swirling around who could be John Cena’s next challengers.

With only 24 appearances left in the kitty of the Greatest of all Time, the line for men who want to face him for the WWE Championship will be long. However, five matches in particular have a major chance of happening soon.

Let’s take a look at 5 WWE Superstars who could be John Cena’s next challengers after Backlash 2025:

​

#5. R-Truth – ‘Childhood Hero’ Turns Villain.

R-Truth’s interference at Backlash 2025 and John Cena’s attack on him at the press conference have laid the groundwork for a personal storyline. Truth’s admiration for Cena, now tainted by betrayal, could lead to a heartfelt and comedic feud. This matchup might take place at a smaller event like Saturday Night’s Main Event, adding variety to Cena’s title defences. That’s exactly what might happen as Cory Hays of PWN has reported The Champ might face R-Truth on the 24th May edition of SNME.

The two have faced each other before when R-Truth had challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship at Capitol Punishment in 2011. However, Truth wasn’t a complete comic character back then like he is now. Expect this match to be a cakewalk for the Last Real WWE Champion.

​

#4. John Cena vs CM Punk – One More Time. One Last War.

John Cena vs. CM Punk. Just the sound of it brings back chills. Their 2011 Money in the Bank match? Iconic. Their chemistry? Unmatched. After that, staredown at Elimination Chamber 2025, the flame’s been reignited. Punk’s riding high as a fan-favorite again, and there’s real heat behind a title clash. Whether it’s Money in the Bank or Saturday Night’s Main Event, this rematch has “main event” written all over it.

Punk and Cena not only have a storied rivalry, but the two men are arguably the two biggest superstars in the company today. The two men last faced each other in 2013. A SummerSlam match between the two long-time rivals will not only be a box office attraction, but the match itself will be ‘cinema’.

#3. Drew McIntyre – The Scottish Warrior Should Be One of John Cena’s Next Challengers.

Drew McIntyre, a former WWE Champion, has been a dominant force and could challenge The Champ to reassert himself in the title picture. His physicality and intensity would contrast with Cena’s heel tactics, creating a hard-hitting feud. A match between these two powerhouses, potentially at Money in the Bank, would capitalise on McIntyre’s momentum and their limited prior encounters. McIntyre had also targeted Cena during the build for Elimination Chamber, thus giving the two men a set stage.

While McIntyre is technically a heel, he has the audience firmly in his back pocket. The MVP of 2024 has been waiting patiently for a shot at the spotlight again and a feud with Cena could not only help him bounce back as a top player, but also turn him into a tweener from a full-fledged heel.

#2. AJ Styles – Let’s Run It Back.

They’ve done it before, and every time, they’ve delivered. Styles and Cena defined 2016 with pure wrestling gold. Now? AJ’s older, wiser, still slick in the ring, and hungrier than ever for one more world title run. A Styles-Cena clash in 2025 brings all the nostalgia, but this time with higher stakes — John Cena’s final year, AJ’s legacy, and a championship in the balance. Circle SummerSlam. This one could steal the show.

Another reason why Styles should be one of John Cena’s next challengers is that there have been questions about Cena’s in-ring prowess in 2025. His match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 wasn’t well-received, and his bout against The Viper has also garnered a mixed reaction. If anyone can help Cena find his mojo back, it’s The Phenomenal One.

#1. Cody Rhodes – This Story Ain’t Over.

WrestleMania 41 didn’t end the story — it ripped it wide open. Cena’s shady win over Cody left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth, especially for fans who’ve walked every step of Rhodes’ journey. Now Cody wants his redemption, and his best friend Randy Orton has every reason to back him up. This isn’t just about gold — it’s about respect, revenge, and closure. A potential SummerSlam main event. Epic doesn’t even cover it.

Rhodes might have lost to Cena at WrestleMania, but it is doubtful that his run as the top babyface in the company will end anytime soon. Regaining his title back from the clutches of the evil Cena could not only offer redemption but also give Cena a chance to reflect on what he had become and return to being a baby face in the last leg of his retirement tour.

---

​Synopsis for John Cena’s next challengers for the WWE Championship:

Challenger	Why It Works	Story Vibe

CM Punk

A rivalry that defined an era. Their 2011 classic still echoes, and their 2025 Elimination Chamber moment lit the internet on fire. Punk’s the babyface. Cena’s the villain. One last war? Yes, please.

Legacy clash. Full-circle storytelling. Main event material.

Drew McIntyre

A brute-force brawl waiting to happen. Drew’s the no-nonsense powerhouse who could rip through Cena’s ego and expose the cracks in his game. A showdown that feels real.

High-impact, no-frills violence. Power vs. cunning.

AJ Styles

They’ve got chemistry for days. Their 2016–17 rivalry was a wrestling clinic. Now it’s veteran vs. veteran, with both men chasing final glory. Pure in-ring magic.

Nostalgia + five-star wrestling. The fan favorite’s dream match.

Cody Rhodes

WrestleMania 41 ended in controversy. Cody’s redemption arc is in full swing, and Cena stands in the way of his legacy. Personal, emotional, and deeply earned.

Redemption arc. “Finish the story” — again.

R-Truth

This one hits differently. From fan to betrayed ally, Truth’s story has layers — heart, comedy, and real hurt. A wildcard match with genuine emotional weight.

Underdog drama meets unexpected intensity.

---

Do you know there are active superstars on the WWE roster who have a criminal record? Find out who:

5 current WWE Superstars with a criminal record