Following the 2025 Royal Rumble, in which Cena was the runner-up, he announced his participation in the Men's Elimination Chamber match. Presumably, WWE will follow the same format as last year and have the winner earn a championship match at WrestleMania 41.

Following his victory in the 2025 WWE Men's Royal Rumble, Jey Uso spoke about what it meant to share the ring with John Cena at the match's end.

The Undertaker explains why John Cena shouldn’t become a 17-time WWE Champion. Cena is retiring from in-ring competition at the end of the year, and he has made it clear that he wants to win his 17th world title before he hangs up his boots.