Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on John Cena, Stephanie Vaquer and More
The countdown to John Cena's final match on December 13 is on, and while there is plenty of speculation over who his final opponent will be, the latest insider rumors have provided an update on who it won't be.
That topic headlines a collection of reports that also includes Cena's input on NXT's involvement in his final match edition of Saturday Night's Main Event, potential opponents for Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania 42, and an update on the health of two competitors following the women's Blood and Guts match on AEW this week.
Was There Ever A Chance for John Cena vs. Edge?
1 of 4
John Cena's retirement tour has brought with it several strands of nostalgia, including the rekindling of his greatest rivalries and magical moments with some of his most memorable opponents.
The stroll down memory lane inevitably led to questions surrounding one matchup that felt like a impossibility, but did not stop fans from talking about it anyway: one last showdown with Edge.
With Adam Copeland in AEW and Cena in WWE, there appeared to be no way the two would ever be able to work together one last time.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select confirmed as much in a Q&A: "There have been no conversations, and no conversations about conversations. It's not a possibility and hasn't been broached outside of 'is he under contract?'"
He cited WWE's attempts to undermine AEW as a key reason why Tony Khan never would have allowed it to happen, and justifiably so.
Cena and Edge had one of the great rivalries of the 2000s, beginning with the latter cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and winning his first WWE Championship at New Year's Revolution 2006.
It spawned several extraordinary contests, including a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the WWE title at Unforgiven that same year, and elevated the stars of both men.
In a year when Cena's fans have been treated to a reminder of his greatest hits, one more showdown with The Rated-R Superstar would have been the cherry on top. As it is, they will have the memory those iconic matchups to cherish instead.
WrestleMania 42 Opponent for Stephanie Vaquer
2 of 4
Stephanie Vaquer has been one of the great breakout stars of WWE in 2025 and, as the reigning women's world champion, it was only a matter of time before rumors about her WrestleMania 42 plans emerged.
Bodyslam.net reported Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley are being considered as opponents for La Primera in Las Vegas in April.
It is a testament to the confidence Vaquer has built within management that Triple H and the creative team would consider the division's two biggest stars as opponents for her at the biggest show of the year.
Women's intercontinental champion Lynch has been kept apart from Vaquer, while Ripley has teamed with her, but not opposed her to this point.
Either would be a fresh match and among the hottest on the WrestleMania card, making them appropriate additions to the most exciting event on the pro wrestling calendar.
That either match would have the chance to steal the two-night show would only further enhance the reputation of the women's division on the grand stage.
John Cena's Influence on NXT Exhibitions
3 of 4
John Cena announced Monday that his final match on December 13 at Saturday Night's Main Event will headline a show that features exhibition matches between main roster and NXT talent.
Bodyslam.net reported it was Cena's call to feature the stars of tomorrow squaring off with the main roster competitors of today.
It continues the theme of the 48-year-old wanting to give back to the industry by offering performers the chance to make a name for themselves, which is the reasoning he gave for the Last Time is Now Tournament.
WWE has a wealth of exciting young talent emerging from NXT, including Oba Femi, Trick Williams and Je'Von Evans, as well as more recognizable faces such as Ricky Saints and Ethan Page.
Putting them in the same ring with the stars of today and letting them prove themselves on network television, in front of a red-hot crowd, only elevates their credibility and legitimacy and gives the black-and-silver brand new exposure.
Update on AEW Stars After Blood and Guts
4 of 4
Wednesday night on Dynamite, AEW presented its annual Blood and Guts show, featuring the first women's version of the match.
Regarding injuries in the contest, Sapp reported for Fightful Select: "We were told that Jamie Hayter got a little banged up, and may have chipped several teeth. One person we talked to said she was 'as bad ass as you would expect' all things considered."
He added, regarding one competitor who bled plenty in the contest, "Skye Blue was said to be okay, after bleeding buckets in the Women's Blood & Guts match."
The match drew plenty of acclaim across social media and saw Blue, Thekla, Julia Hart, Mercedes Mone, Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir defeat Toni Storm, Kris Statlander, Mina Shirakawa, Jamie Hayter, Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron.
With the success of this first one, it will be interesting to see if AEW makes the women's Blood and Guts bout the staple that the men's contest has become.
.jpg?w=600 "WWE Raw Results & Grades 🔠")
