We are just weeks away from the final match in the incomparable career of WWE icon John Cena. While the opponent in his final match has yet to be decided, the event the bout is on will have a unique theme. During this week’s edition of WWE Raw, Cena revealed his one request for the card featuring his final match is that WWE main roster talent take on the rising stars of NXT.
With that in mind, let’s look at 10 possible WWE vs. NXT matchups we could see on the December episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event headlined by John Cena’s last match.
Ethan Page vs. Ilja Dragunov
Ethan Page has been one of NXT’s top stars since jumping from AEW a year ago. He has won the brand’s top title and currently holds the North American title. He is likely to land on the main roster at some point in 2026. A great way to show him off to casual WWE fans would be a matchup with former NXT champ and current United States Champion Ilia Dragunov. The match would be stellar and feature two performers with high ceilings.
Je’Von Evans vs. AJ Styles
Je’Von Evans has evolved into one of the best prospects in the entire business because of his underrated charisma and 99th percentile athleticism. With this event being all about showing off the future versus the past and present, the NXT star taking on AJ Styles would make sense. The “Phenomenal One” is winding down his career, so a clash of two generational talents is a perfect fit for this card.
Tatum Paxley vs. Chelsea Green
Tatum Paxley is one of the great development stories in NXT history. While it didn’t come fast, the current NXT Women’s Champion has honed her craft in and out of the ring and is now one of the black-and-gold brand’s top stars. She should definitely be at an event like this, and a fun opponent would be Chelsea Green. A fantastic veteran performer and champion is excellent at making her foes look great.
Ricky Saints vs. Cody Rhodes
Ricky Saints has been positioned as one of the new faces of NXT since arriving from AEW earlier this year. He needs to be on the December SNME card, and a fitting opponent would be WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The pair have been close friends for quite some time, and a clash between the two world champions would be a great co-main event. Furthermore, it would fit the narrative of a rising star taking on the challenge of one of the elites of the industry, just like Cena did in his debut in 2002 against Kurt Angle.
Fatal Influence vs. Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky & Stephanie Vaquer
Fatal Influence has been one of NXT’s best factions for the last couple of years. Fallon Henley is a very good all-around talent. Former NXT and TNA champ Jacy Jayne is a fantastic heel, and Lainey Reid is an intriguing prospect. The upstarts would be a great addition to the card, and facing three of NXT’s greatest stars — Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and Stephanie Vaquer — who have become top talent on the WWE main roster, feels right. Plus, the match would be awesome.
Oba Femi vs. Drew McIntyre
Oma Femi has been one of the most dominant forces NXT has ever seen. “The Ruler” rarely loses and has held both the top men’s titles. He has future Wrestlemania main eventer written on him. That is why a matchup with Drew McIntyre would be a ton of fun. They are both big guys who are far more athletic than they look and talented wrestlers. The multi-time world champ and one-time ‘Mania main eventer would be a great litmus test for Femi.
Blake Monroe vs. Bayley
Former AEW Women’s champ Blake Monroe has quickly been a standout in NXT. She already has the North American title and will likely get the top prize before all is said and done. With her recently showing the duality of her character internally, it would make sense for her to face a main roster great, also with different personalities: Bayley. Plus, the match itself would be one of the best on the card.
Trick Williams vs. CM Punk
Since this will be John Cena’s last event, it just makes sense for some of the rivals he faced on the road to retirement to also be on the card. CM Punk would be a lock for any SNME show, especially as the current World Heavyweight champ. But who would be a good opponent for this main roster vs. NXT event? Two-time NXT titlist Trick Williams feels so right.
The face-to-face interactions in the build-up would be fantastic because of the clash of personalities, and the match itself would be pretty good.
Jordynne Grace vs. Jade Cargill
Jordynne Grace and Jade Cargill are impressive talents because of their athleticism and unique power. That’s why the pair facing off at this special edition of SNME makes a lot of sense. Who is the true super athlete in the women’s division? The battle to find out would likely be a highlight of the event.
Sol Ruca & Zaria vs. Kabuki Warriors
The duo of Sol Ruca and Zaria has been a highlight of NXT television for much of 2025. They are lovable friends but also very talented in-ring performers. They deserve to be on this card, and perfect opponents for the fan-favorite team would be hated Raw heels, the Kabuki Warriors. Asuka and Kairi Sane are battle-tested wrestling greats. Facing off with the rising NXT stars is the sort of matchup that this uniquely formatted event surely will have.
