Hulk Hogan’s Final WWE Match Was Supposed to Be John Cena—The Real Reason It Never Happened Is Heartbreaking
Hulk Hogan’s death in July 2025 marked the end of an era in professional wrestling, but a newly revealed behind-the-scenes story is giving fans a bittersweet look at what could have been one of WWE’s most iconic matches ever.
According to new details, Hogan’s final WWE match wasn’t just an idea tossed around backstage. It was meant to be a blockbuster showdown against John Cena — a once-in-a-generation clash that would have symbolized the passing of the torch from one WWE icon to another.
For decades, Hogan stood as the face of WWE’s global explosion, while Cena carried the company through the modern era. A match between the two would have united wrestling’s past and present in a way fans rarely get to see. Now, it’s clear that WWE was closer to making it happen than anyone realized.
Speaking on a recent episode of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff revealed that Hogan vs. Cena had moved well beyond fantasy booking. According to Bischoff, real conversations were taking place, including direct phone calls between Hogan and Cena discussing the potential match.
Bischoff explained that scheduling talks had already begun, signaling that WWE was seriously considering the bout as Hogan’s official in-ring farewell. At one point, the dream match felt genuinely within reach.
But reality intervened in the most painful way.
Hogan’s health began to deteriorate rapidly. Bischoff shared that Hogan was battling severe back problems, limited mobility, and the cumulative damage from multiple surgeries over the years. Physically, Hogan simply couldn’t commit to the demands of a match at that level — and the idea was quietly abandoned.
The revelation has left fans wondering what might have been: Hogan standing across the ring from Cena one final time, closing the circle on WWE history in front of millions.
Even in death, Hulk Hogan continues to spark conversation, emotion, and unanswered “what ifs.” And this lost dream match may now stand as one of the most heartbreaking missed moments in WWE history.
