John Cena’s farewell appearance on Monday Night RAW could take an unexpected turn as The Miz positions himself for a shocking championship challenge. The 22-year WWE veteran has already called out the newly crowned Intercontinental Champion on social media, and tonight at Madison Square Garden might be when these longtime rivals collide one last time.
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Cena’s Potential Showdown Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | WWE RAW at Madison Square Garden |
| Current Champion | John Cena (Intercontinental) |
| Potential Challenger | The Miz (22-year veteran) |
| Date | November 17, 2025 |
| The Miz’s Record | 8x Intercontinental Champion |
| Tournament Status | Lost to Jey Uso (First Round) |
| Streaming | Netflix at 8 ET/5 PT |
The Social Media Challenge
After Cena defeated Dominik Mysterio last week to become WWE’s newest Grand Slam Champion, The Miz wasted no time sending a pointed message: “Took ya long enough. You finally did it. Grand Slam Champion, congrats, but here’s the thing. You won the title I made prestigious. Which means when I win this tournament, I’m not just winning gold… I’m restoring legacy.”
The A-Lister has held the Intercontinental Championship eight times during his Hall of Fame-worthy career, becoming WWE’s fifth-ever Grand Slam Champion long before Cena achieved the feat. His connection to the title runs deep, making his interest in facing Cena more personal than professional.
Why Tonight Makes Perfect Sense
The Miz recently lost to Jey Uso in the first round of the Last Time is Now Tournament, eliminating his path to face Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December. Frustrated by his recent loss, he could take matters into his own hands and make a shocking appearance on RAW to challenge Cena for the Intercontinental Championship.
While The Miz typically appears on SmackDown, brand boundaries have been fluid during Cena’s retirement tour. With Madison Square Garden hosting tonight’s episode and Cena guaranteed to appear, the stars align perfectly for an unexpected crossover challenge.
The WrestleMania 27 Connection
John Cena and The Miz main-evented WrestleMania 27 to battle for the WWE Championship. That iconic showdown ended controversially with The Rock’s interference, leaving unfinished business between them.
Revisiting their rivalry on Cena’s final RAW would create a full-circle moment for both WWE legends, allowing The Miz to serve as Cena’s last Monday Night opponent in a fitting tribute to their intertwined careers spanning over a decade.
Other Potential Challengers
While The Miz generates the most buzz, other names have emerged as possible challengers:
Sheamus – The Celtic Warrior has never held the Intercontinental Championship, so defeating Cena for it would also crown Sheamus as a Grand Slam champion within professional wrestling. He’s expressed interest backstage.
Rusev – After advancing in the Last Time is Now Tournament by defeating Damian Priest, the Bulgarian Brute sent a clear message to Cena with his victory.
Dominik Mysterio – The former champion may invoke his rematch clause after losing the title last week, though creative seems to be moving away from this feud.
The Madison Square Garden Factor
Tonight’s RAW takes place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, wrestling’s most legendary venue. Adam Pearce announced that Cena will kick off the broadcast tomorrow night, setting the stage for a memorable moment.]
Few scenarios would generate more buzz than The Miz interrupting Cena’s opening segment to demand one final showdown. With first-round tournament matches featuring GUNTHER versus Je’Von Evans and Solo Sikoa against a mystery opponent also scheduled, the show promises multiple surprises.
What’s at Stake for Both Men
For Cena, this represents his final chapter with the Intercontinental Championship before his retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. He’s expected to eventually drop the title back to GUNTHER, the longest-reigning IC Champion in history, creating poetic symmetry.
For The Miz, capturing the title for a record ninth time would solidify his legacy as the championship’s greatest ambassador. In an interview back in September, The Miz said he was “very angry” to miss out on facing John Cena, given their lengthy history, adding that he was among the first stars to put their name forward to face Cena when he announced his retirement.
More importantly, being Cena’s last opponent on Monday Night RAW would be an honor that defines his career—a perfect ending to a rivalry that helped shape modern WWE.
The Legacy Angle
The Miz’s claim about making the Intercontinental Championship prestigious isn’t just trash talk. During his multiple reigns, particularly during his legendary 2016 Talking Smack promo, The Miz elevated the title’s prestige and reminded fans why it matters.
Now, with Cena finally holding the one championship that eluded him for over two decades, The Miz sees an opportunity to reclaim what he considers his legacy and prove he belongs in Cena’s final chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is The Miz considered the top candidate to challenge John Cena tonight?
After John Cena won the Intercontinental Championship from Dominik Mysterio, The Miz immediately called him out on social media, claiming “You won the title I made prestigious.” As an 8-time Intercontinental Champion frustrated by his tournament elimination, The Miz could make a shocking cross-brand appearance at Madison Square Garden. The two have significant history, including main-eventing WrestleMania 27 together, and The Miz has stated he was among the first to volunteer for Cena’s retirement tour, making tonight’s final RAW the perfect opportunity.
Q: What other superstars might challenge John Cena for the Intercontinental Championship tonight?
Besides The Miz, Sheamus has expressed interest and would become a Grand Slam Champion if he defeats Cena, as the Intercontinental Championship is the only major title he hasn’t won. Rusev advanced in the Last Time Is Now Tournament and could use momentum to challenge. Dominik Mysterio may also invoke his rematch clause after losing the title last week. However, The Miz’s vocal callout, storied history with Cena, and frustration over missing the retirement tour make him the most compelling option.
