John Cena Makes Surprise Visit to Bayley’s Lodestone 2025 Camp Ahead of His WWE Farewell

Ahead of his WWE farewell at Saturday Night's Main Event against Gunther, John Cena shares his wisdom with performers at Lodestone 2025.

John Cena Makes Surprise Visit to Bayley’s Lodestone 2025 Camp Ahead of His WWE Farewell

John Cena and Bayley (via WWE and X)

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John Cena is once again giving back to the future of professional wrestling. Fans already know that Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 carries historic weight as it will feature Cena’s final match. The WWE legend will have a long-anticipated showdown against Gunther, who earned the opportunity by winning the Last Time Is Now Tournament.

But in true Cena fashion, the 17-time world champion didn’t want the spotlight solely on himself. He personally requested that the upcoming SNME also serve as a platform for the company’s next generation. 

The card will feature special main roster vs. NXT exhibition matches, including WWE champion Cody Rhodes vs. new NXT Champion Oba Femi, Bayley vs. Sol Ruca, and several more first-time encounters designed to highlight rising stars. And just days before his retirement match, Cena proved once again why he is considered one of the industry’s greatest mentors. 

He made a surprise appearance at Bayley’s Lodestone 2025 women’s wrestling camp, a multi-day seminar in Orlando focused on advanced independent women’s talent. From December 4 to December 6, more than 20 wrestlers participated, with Charlotte Flair, Natalya, and Lyra Valkyria joining Bayley as guest coaches.

And then, on the final day, Cena quietly walked in. Unannounced, he spent nearly eight hours at the camp, watching around ten women’s matches and offering genuine encouragement to every participant. His unexpected dedication moved the former Women’s champion, who publicly thanked him in a heartfelt message on X.

Cena returned the sentiment with an equally emotional tribute, praising Bayley for the environment she created. Taking to social media, he wrote a heartfelt note. 

Pam [Bayley], you had asked me a while ago how you could help ‘the business’. You have created something that does exactly that. A collaborative environment with the purpose of making everyone in the room better than they were yesterday. Attitude is infectious, the attitude you’ve created allowed me to be better than I was yesterday. Thank you for all you do. Thanks to the entire group of incredible individuals. It was my honor to be invited into the room.

John Cena via X

Cena’s legacy has always been defined by more than championships: it’s been defined by elevating others. His actions at Lodestone 2025, just days before his final match, serve as the perfect reminder of that.

John Cena picks Shawn Michaels and Seth Rollins as the two best opponents he has ever faced

John Cena’s 23-year WWE career has seen him battle legends from multiple eras in some of the most iconic matches of the modern era. When he first debuted in 2002, the 17-time world champion was often labeled a limited in-ring performer. 

John Cena, Shawn Michaels and Seth Rollins
John Cena, Shawn Michaels, and Seth Rollins (via WWE)

But over the decades, Cena sharpened every aspect of his craft, and he credits much of that evolution to the world-class opponents who pushed him to improve. With his retirement just days away, Cena reflected on the best wrestlers he’s ever stepped into the ring with during an appearance on The Bill Simmons podcast on The Ringer. 

Without hesitation, he named Shawn Michaels and Seth Rollins, though choosing a third proved difficult.

Shawn Michaels, Seth Rollins. It is very tough to narrow it down to a third. I’ve had incredible chemistry with people. It’s tough.

John Cena via The Bill Simmons podcast

When asked what made Michaels stand out, Cena explained that HBK possessed an almost supernatural ability to make anyone look great. He compared Michaels’ talent to making even a book look like a credible opponent,  illustrating just how far the WWE Hall of Famer’s skill and storytelling could elevate a match. 

Like Michaels, Rollins has that same rare gift, bringing out the best in anyone through his athleticism and sheer creativity. Cena then went on to list several other names who share this quality.

Randy (Orton) falls into this category. Guys I’ve had crazy chemistry with: AJ Styles, CM Punk, Kevin Owens, Dwayne (The Rock), Edge (Adam Copeland). In 23 years, those are the two because they can work with anyone. I was lucky enough that I was anyone a few nights.

John Cena via The Bill Simmons podcast

Cena and Michaels’ rivalry is etched in WWE history: from headlining WrestleMania 23 to their legendary one-hour match on Raw in London, Michaels consistently showed why he is considered one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time. His body of work includes timeless classics against The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, Triple H, and Bret Hart.

As for Rollins, his storied partnership with Cena includes more than 60 singles matches across pay-per-views, TV, and live events, proving their remarkable chemistry. Their SummerSlam 2015 clash remains one of the finest performances of both men’s careers.

As fans prepare to say goodbye to Cena when he steps into the ring one final time at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th, his reflections on the most talented opponents of his career add yet another emotional layer to the end of an era.

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