As 2025 comes to an end and we move into 2026, WWE Monday Night Raw is set for significant changes. The new year will usher in fresh developments for the red brand, with emerging stars expected to rise and gain prominence. In 2026, Raw will see a new champion crowned and a fresh rivalry that might dominate the show’s airtime moving forward. Here are six potential changes destined to impact WWE Raw in 2026.
6. Farewell to John Cena
On December 13th, during WWE Saturday Night’s main event, John Cena wrestled his career’s final match. By defeating Gunther, Cena ended his legendary tenure with a victorious performance in Washington, DC. This match marks the end of an era, as 2026 will be the first year since 2001 without Cena in a WWE wrestling ring. Without “The Greatest of All Time” active, WWE Raw and the organization as a whole face a new phase, having to adapt to his absence from the spotlight.
Fan Take: John Cena’s retirement marks a pivotal moment for WWE fans, symbolizing the close of a historic chapter. This shift opens opportunities for new stars to step up and reshape the future of WWE, promising an exciting evolution for the sport.
