WWE & AEW Rumours: John Cena's Survivor Series Opponent, Austin Theory Main Event Push

The rumours mill continues turning as we head into Crown Jewel 2025 weekend, with several reports and rumours emerging on October 11. Some of these concern the Survivor Series 2025 card, with some interesting names being suggested for the card. Additionally, there is some backstage news on Santos Escobar re-signing with WWE rather than a move to AEW, TNA contract news, and more. 

John Cena’s Survivor Series Opponent Revealed

John Cena only has a select number of dates left before officially retiring from professional wrestling in December of this year, with one of those coming at Survivor Series 2025. According to a report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Cena will potentially be in contention for a championship he’s never won; the Intercontinental Championship. 

It is stated that current plans list Dominik Mysterio as Cena’s Survivor Series opponent. WWE announced his official last match would be taking place on December 13 at Washington D.C., with reports in recent days suggesting a heavy political presence at the show. When it comes to his final opponent, reports list Gunther as WWE's plan.

Backstage Reaction To WWE Re-Signing Santos Escobar

Shortly after news emerged that Santos Escobar was exiting WWE following the expiration of his contract, it was revealed that he re-signed to the company in a big money deal. There were some rumours floating of a potential AEW move, but before anything could happen, he was back with WWE. 

Fightful Select revealed that some were surprised backstage over WWE re-signing Escobar, though the feeling was of happiness at the fact that he was back. When it comes to the suggestions of a move to AEW, Fightful notes that they had not heard of any serious talks between the two signs. 

CM Punk Vs. Seth Rollins Planned For Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Following the Crown Jewel 2025 PLE, one of the biggest pit stops on WWE’s calendar is the next edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, which is set to take place in Salt Lake City on November 1. When it comes to the headline match on the show, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship is currently listed. 

Elsewhere on the card, plans are reportedly set for a WWE Women’s Title match between Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton, and a number one contenders match between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu, with the winner going on to face Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. 

Deals Up Soon For TNA Champions

Following on from recent reports that Cedric Alexander’s TNA deal was expiring, Fightful Select have also learned that Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee on The IInspiration tag team also have deals that are set to expire soon. The reigning TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions returned to TNA in June of 2025, winning the gold in September for their second reign.

It is noted by Fightful that they are expected to re-sign with TNA and remain with the company following the expiration of their deals. 

Austin Theory Planned For Main Event Push?

Austin Theory has been absent from WWE programming throughout much of 2025 due to reported injuries, but upon a return he could well be set for a push to the main event scene, years after he was dubbed as being Vince McMahon’s handpicked “next big thing”. According to a report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Austin Theory is currently listed as being involved in WWE’s War Games. 

Recent plans have reportedly revealed that the planned line-up for the men’s War Games match at Survivor Series will see CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, Jey Uso and either LA Knight or  Jimmy Uso take on Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Brock Lesnar and Austin Theory. The involvement of Theory here would seem to suggest some form of alliance with Paul Heyman or The Vision faction whenever he returns.