WWE, AEW power rankings: As John Cena bows out, the future steps forward

Typically we conduct these rankings once a month, unless a suitably large event occurs. This weekend’s match fit that definition, as one of the most influential and decorated professional wrestlers of the 21st century finally ended the day in front of a tearful arena.

No doubt you’ve watched Cena’s last fight and read our coverage. But maybe you’re wondering how this weekend’s action affects the balance of power in wrestling as a whole? Well, don’t worry – here’s what’s new for you.

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Men’s Strength Rankings

10. Los Angeles Cavaliers (old version: NR)

To say that WWE has been hot and cold with LA Knight over the past three years would be a massive understatement. Despite everything we’ve been through, we still firmly believe in Superstar’s credentials. Sure, he might have just been written off television after one of his iconic vehicle beatings from Bronson Reed, but rumors are circulating that this was a ploy to bring him back for a massive babyface run…

9. Swerve Strickland (formerly: NR)

Watching Swerve Strickland perform in AEW, you get the sense that he’s that rare beast: a former WWE talent that the company probably wishes they hadn’t released. Of course, Tony Khan knows this, too – which is why he made a pretty big deal of Swift’s unexpected return in Full Gear. Not only did the rapper-turned-wrestler return to the world championship stage, but he also got a jazzy new entrance music provided by the Wu-Tang Clan.

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8. Samoa Joe (Previous: 7)

While his tribute to John Cena left us a little teary-eyed, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that AEW’s Universal Champion is in a nosedive right now. Overthrowing Hangman Adam Page in that fiery steel cage seemed to be just the beginning, as The Opps continued to help the big man maintain his top status. Considering everything that’s happened so far, Joe is certainly the favorite to compete in a three-way match taking place on December 27 at AEW World’s End. But the bigger question is what happens next.

7. Dominic Mysterio (Previous: 8)

Is Dominik Mysterio the best in professional wrestling in 2025? A huge WrestleMania moment, becoming the face of a AAA partnership and then defeating John Cena at Survivor Series in front of a big stadium crowd – and all this while he was only 28 years old. That’s a far cry from four years ago, when he only had the name “Mysterio” to trade for. The best part? He might just be getting started. Maybe 2026 is the year he tops the list…

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6. Oba Femi (old version: NR)

How will Oba Femi fare on the main roster in Saturday night’s main event? Many NXT players have had their moments over the years. But what about picking up the WWE Universal Championship like a sack of potatoes and then delivering a punch that would make Brock Lesnar frown? It’s hard to imagine a more horrific introduction. Makes me very interested in what he will do next. Even though I don’t think I want to be Drew McIntyre right now.

5. CM Punk (Previous page: 6)

At the end of Saturday night’s main event, CM Punk showed respect by handing his world title to John Cena, who looked every bit the champion. This is another reason why WWE put the belt on CM Punk after Seth Rollins’ unexpected injury. What’s next for The Second City? On the first “Raw” match of 2026, there was an unenviable clash with Bron Breakker. Whether he wins or not, this will be a miserable conflict.

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4. Brown Breaker (Previous: 3)

For years we’ve marveled at his ferocious spear and his beastly physique. But who knew Brown Breakers could also make great promotional videos? I think Paul Heyman’s guidance really paid off. After a huge victory at Survivor Series, the self-proclaimed “badass” now has a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship in just a few weeks. The whole “future WrestleMania main event” thing? Maybe it will come sooner than we think.

3. Gunther (Previous: 8)

Most of us thought the “Ring General” would defeat John Cena in his final match. But did anyone really expect him to do so cruelly? That? Forcing the 17-time world champion to finally bow out in front of an incredible and frustrating Capital One Arena? Talk about nuclear and energy. No wonder he then had to be escorted through the streets of Washington, D.C., by extra security. It was an eternal moment.

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2. Cody Rhodes (Previous page: 1)

Considering their intertwined fates this year, it’s fitting that Cody Rhodes would be involved in John Cena’s sendoff. First, “The American Nightmare” made a major switch to ensure NXT Champion Oba Femi looked as fierce as possible, fulfilling Cenas’ desire to promote young talent. Later, he stood in the ring and played QB1 for the final few minutes. We even saw our champion get a little teary-eyed – for the first time since that fateful night in Philadelphia.

1. John Cena (Previous page: 4)

After an uneven retirement journey, WWE delivered results for John Cena when it mattered most, ensuring their 17-time champion got the encore he deserved in Washington, D.C. There were tributes, there were tears, and the final game against Gunther was brilliant. Remember when Cena suggested he get out while he could still get in the ring? Well, he proved it Saturday night with one of his best single games in the past five years.

Women’s Power Rankings

10. Raquel Rodriguez (Previous: NR)

There are some surprising things about John Cena’s retirement journey — some better than others. But Raquel Rodriguez delivering the perfect Tejana bomb to the 17-time champion at Survivor Series? Trust me, no one saw that one coming. Who knows, maybe the towering Texan will surprise again when he faces Stephanie Vaquer on Raw.

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9. Becky Lynch (previous page: 7)

Of all the women returning to the top this year, Becky Lynch is the standout. Not only has she put on some of the best women’s matches of the year – for example, her matchup with Lyra Valkyria at WWE Backlash – but she’s also brought the character to life. She may have lost the Intercontinental Championship, but you doubt she’d win something bigger.

8. Kendall Gray (Previous: NR)

We all know that WWE takes its development system very seriously. But even by usual standards, Kendall Gray’s meteoric rise is noteworthy. The 24-year-old signed with WWE’s college-focused Next in Line program just three years ago. Since then, she’s gone from Evolve’s inaugural Women’s Champion to the No. 1 contender for the NXT Women’s Championship. Impressive indeed.

7. Iyo Sky (Previous: NR)

When Michael Cole called Iyo Skye “the best wrestler on the planet right now” at Survivor Series, a lot of us were nodding. She’s certainly having the most impressive year on the entire WWE roster – even though she looks destined to end the year without any gold around her waist. Instead, it looks like her big vendetta will be personal: a potential vendetta against mentor-turned-nemesis Asuka.

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6. Chris Starland (Previous: 4)

You can’t deny that Kris Statlander looks the part, brandishing her gun with the title hanging from her waist in “AEW Collision.” We’ve mentioned before that the former stuntwoman has one of the most impressive scalps in AEW history, and it’s worth repeating – in her six years with the company, she defeated Mercedes Mone, Toni Storm, and Jade Cargill in singles competition. But can she defeat ambitious Jamie Hayter at the end of the month?

5. Jed Cargill (Previous page: 5)

WWE’s Women’s Champion has been busy scoring easy wins on “SmackDown,” putting up effective squash matches against midcarders like B-Fab and Alba Fyre. The win caps at least a successful second year for the WWE star, who went from touring Elimination Chamber matches to winning her first singles title on Saturday Night Main Event in November. Now, the champion looks strong. Will this continue when her former teammate Bianca Belair finally returns, possibly at the 2026 Royal Rumble?

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4. Liv Morgan (Previous page: 3)

If you’re a Liv Morgan fan, chances are you’re still excited for her big comeback in November. In retrospect, this might even be the biggest highlight of Survivor Series – especially since it was crucial to “Dirty Reigns” getting a huge victory over John Cena. What’s next for the champ-turned-homewrecker? Her presence in the WrestleMania 42 trailer is a good sign. Will this finally be the moment of collapse on Judgment Day? If so, I bet Liv Morgan will win in the end.

3. Sol Ruca (old version: NR)

After missing out on NXT Deadline’s Iron Survivor, Sol Ruca fared better when he was called on short notice to compete against Bayley on the special edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event with John Cena. Of course, the super-sporty star took the challenge in stride, delivering another stellar performance of her increasingly famous finisher, the Sol Snatcher, to the sold-out crowd. That leaves one big question: Should WWE promote her to a full-time main event, or let her win the NXT Championship first?

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2. Stephanie Wacker (Previous Page: 2)

A lot has changed for the WWE Women’s Championship this year, including for some unexpected reasons. However, South American superstar Stephanie Vaquer seems destined to end the year with one of the biggest awards, having now held four different WWE Championships in one year (assuming you count the two NXT belts) while defeating the likes of Iyo Sky and Tiffany Stratton. How do you do this? That will be revealed by La Primera – but I have a feeling she’s up to the job.

1. Rhea Ripley(Previous page: 1)

Every time I make these lists, I get into a “Ripley’s Dilemma.” On one hand, “The Eradicator” is clearly a generational talent with the star power that will leave a long-term mark on WWE’s ratings and stock price. On the other hand, she’s been largely cut off from the world title scene – at least since Evolution – and hasn’t had a truly memorable feud in a while. For now, her A-list status alone keeps her at the top of the list, but we hope to see more from her next year.