Copeland Open to Final Cena Match

Adam Copeland says he and AEW President Tony Khan would consider a final WWE match against John Cena.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Wrestling

Adam Copeland said on The Mick and Kenny Show that he and Tony Khan are open to a match with John Cena, though he doubts WWE would arrange it. Cena's retirement tour did not include a match against Copeland or Batista.

Why it matters

The comments revive interest in a matchup that fans have not seen during Cena's retirement tour, which featured bouts with CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles. Copeland's remarks also highlight the cross-promotional questions surrounding a potential appearance involving rival companies.

Copeland's most recent measurable result cited is a single match at AEW All Out 2025 in which he hit the Five-Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment on Cash Wheeler. The matchup itself has not been scheduled, and no WWE or AEW booking has been confirmed.

The players

Adam Copeland

A veteran professional wrestler who has competed in WWE and AEW and is known for his long-running rivalry with John Cena.

John Cena

A longtime WWE star and one of the most recognizable wrestlers of his generation, who is currently on a retirement tour.

Tony Khan

The president of All Elite Wrestling who is involved in booking decisions for the promotion where Copeland competes.

The details

On The Mick and Kenny Show, Copeland said he was open to facing Cena and believed Tony Khan would also be willing, but he said he did not have faith WWE would arrange the matchup. Earlier this year, Cena named Copeland and Randy Orton as his two greatest rivals.

AEW All Out 2025: Copeland paid tribute to Cena during his opener match against Cash Wheeler.
Earlier this year: Cena named Copeland and Randy Orton his two greatest rivals.
November 2, 2026: Copeland's podcast comments on a possible Cena match were published.

The Big Picture

Cena's retirement tour has so far featured CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles as singles opponents, leaving his long-running rivalry with Copeland unaddressed. A bout with Copeland would fill that gap, though it would require cooperation between two promotions that have historically operated separately.

A Copeland versus Cena match would give fantasy and wrestling viewers a rare cross-promotional bout to track. Fans would also need to watch for announcements from WWE or AEW to know whether the matchup becomes a reality.

The takeaway

Fans following Cena's retirement tour should watch for official announcements, since comments from wrestlers and executives do not guarantee a booking. Tracking both WWE and AEW news will be the clearest way to learn whether this matchup moves forward.