WWE superstar John Cena is currently on his retirement tour, with his final match scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII on December 13, 2025. The 48-year-old legend has been captivating fans with his farewell tour, making references to various wrestlers, including those from All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
It’s no secret that Cena admires the talent in AEW and has a good rapport with many individuals in the company. Here are three AEW stars that John Cena has acknowledged during his final WWE run:
## 3. Claudio Castagnoli (Cesaro)
Claudio Castagnoli, also known as Cesaro, is a member of The Death Riders in AEW. Cena previously mentioned Cesaro during a feud with CM Punk, hinting at a possible reunion in WWE. Cesaro is a remarkable talent known for his strength and skill in the ring, having held titles in WWE before making the move to AEW.
## 2. Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho, a former AEW World Champion, is a wrestling icon who transitioned to AEW in 2019. Cena paid tribute to Jericho during a match by using his ‘Wall of Jericho’ submission move against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel 2025. With rumors of Jericho potentially returning to WWE, fans are hopeful for a final showdown between Cena and Y2J.
## 1. Adam Copeland (Edge)
Edge and John Cena shared a legendary rivalry during the Ruthless Aggression era. Despite being close friends in real life, they recently paid homage to each other with signature moves in their respective matches. While a match between the two seems unlikely due to Edge’s AEW affiliation, fans can still appreciate the mutual respect and admiration between these two wrestling icons.
As Cena wraps up his in-ring career, fans eagerly anticipate his final moments in the squared circle and the potential for dream matches with AEW stars. The crossover between WWE and AEW continues to intrigue fans, showcasing the mutual respect and camaraderie among wrestlers from different promotions.
This rewritten article seamlessly integrates the original content while providing a fresh perspective on John Cena’s farewell tour and his interactions with AEW stars.

