On the January 6 debut of RAW on Netflix, John Cena came out to a raucous ovation.
This appearance marked the start of his farewell tour as a professional wrestler. Cena, 47, will work extensively this year before hanging up his boots presumably to continue a career that spawned primarily into the world of acting.
Reports indicate he will make roughly 36 appearances this calendar year. The 16-time champ has virtually accomplished everything there is to earn within the business. He’s also maintained his standing as a ‘face’ for the duration of his career — something few can relate to.
At the Jan. 6 taping, Cena announced that he would indeed enter the field for the upcoming Royal Rumble. It got us thinking…what will Cena exactly be involved in this year?
Cena is a true professional. He isn’t against putting other wrestlers over (something other peers in the business failed to do). Presumably, you will see Cena be in the mix for one of the major belts.
Would WWE take one of the major belts off a star performer — only to have Cena lose it shortly after? Cena winning a belt probably wouldn’t play with the fans knowing that his time with the company is finite.
That’s not to say he couldn’t get involved in main storylines or rivalries. The odds are he will be in a position to at least contend for a belt. Among the holders in both RAW and SmackDown, we have the following:
- World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther
- Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes
- United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura
Cena going up against Nakamura for the U.S. belt seems unlikely. Cena versus Rhodes would pit two of the most over wrestlers in the business versus one another. Having said that, there still appears to be some meat on the proverbial bone featuring Rhodes and Roman Reigns. From a purely money-making standpoint, having Cena and Rhodes link up would make a fortune.
Gunter versus Cena for the World Heavyweight belt would appear to be a very good direction to explore. Gunter is the younger up-and-comer who’s held the belt for roughly half a year. The physicality in such a match would be exceptional, and it would include two highly technical wrestlers.
A possible Cena vs. Breakker feud would be very entertaining. Without question, Breakker is the future of the company. It’s only a matter of time until he’s contending for the World Championship. Getting put over by beating a legend of Cena’s ilk would officially announce Breakker’s presence as a top guy in the company. Plus, seeing those two battle one another on the mic would be a treat for all.
Of course, Cena would be repurposed elsewhere into non-title situations. Could we see Cena square off with The Rock down the line? Would he have any involvement with Reigns or CM Punk?
Either way, all eyes will be on Cena this year (even if you can’t see him).
