As John Cena’s year of retirement progresses, one compelling thread would run through 2025: his attempt to set the world title record.

Currently tied with Ric Flair, Cena has held the world title 16 times (according to official WWE history), his last being in early 2017 and lasting just two weeks. Since then, he has unsuccessfully challenged for both the WWE Championship and Universal Championship, losing a handful of World Number One contender’s matches. (The less said about Cena’s United States Championship match against Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39, the better.)

Cena’s attempt to win his 17th world title should definitely be a focus of his final year, and what better champion to target than? Gunther? The Ring General has been in a crisis of confidence this fall, and there’s no better way to fully restore his aura than toppling the legendary Cena. For Big Match John, Gunther represents a huge mountain to climb, the opposite of his character and a strenuous workhorse in his prime. (We could also get a match against us Ludwig Kaiser along the way.)

This is a money play that could work at WrestleMania 41 or SummerSlam if Gunther is slated for a year-long title reign. This is by no means a confirmation of Cena defeating Gunther, but for a high-profile match that will keep fans on the edge of their seats, WWE is unlikely to do better.