John Cena’s first opponent on his 2025 Farewell Tour could be a five-time WWE World Champion, believes Chris Van Vliet

Former WWE Champion John Cena will embark on a Farewell Tour throughout 2025 as he prepares to retire from professional wrestling. While everyone is speculating about who will be The Cenation Leader’s final opponent, Chris Van Vliet shared his opinion on who could be his first competitor on this tour. The star in question is none other than Seth Rollins.

Cena has officially confirmed his appearances at the 2025 Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber Premium Live Events. However, it remains unclear whether The Franchise Player will compete in the gimmick matches or in singles bouts at these events.

On his INSIGHT podcast, AskCVV edition, Chris Van Vliet responded to fan questions. When asked to speculate on John Cena’s first opponent for his Farewell Tour, he suggested the name of former two-time WWE Champion, two-time Universal Champion, and one-time World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins:

“It feels like a great first opponent for him, and I’m not talking storyline here, or just throw him in the ring with this person, and you know it’s gonna be great. Seth Rollins. I think John Cena is gonna have a match with Seth Rollins at some point in time in 2025. I could see that being his first match,” Vliet said. [From 07:21 to 07:40]

You can listen to the full podcast below:

Former WWE star recalls the impact of John Cena’s “arena-shaking” return

Mustafa Ali recently opened up about The Cenation Leader’s massive return to RAW two years ago. Cena had a warm welcome from his peers and Vince McMahon on his 20th WWE anniversary.

On Chris Van Vliet’s INSIGHT podcast, Mustafa Ali recalled feeling the arena shake during John Cena’s surprise return on the June 27, 2022, edition of the red brand:

“The only time I’ve experienced an arena shaking is when John Cena made his return. I felt the building shake. It was the episode of RAW [June 27, 2022] where he was walking backstage and shaking everyone’s hand, and then he was talking to Stu off camera, and they [WWE] had us all loaded on the entrance way,” Ali said.

Watch the interview below:

It remains to be seen if the company will book a match between Rollins and Cena as the first encounter of the latter’s Farewell Tour.

Please credit Chris Van Vliet’s INSIGHT and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.