The 16 time world champion, John Cena, should jump back into the WWE title picture for WrestleMania 34 after a huge win at the 2018 Royal Rumble
John Cena, now a part timer as he embarks on other acting ventures like starring in Ferdinand, is still a huge asset for WWE. This is why he was called upon to boost ratings for their Christmas edition of Raw.
When his return was announced, many speculated that he would either challenge Roman Reigns for his Intercontinental Championship to become a Grand Slam Champion or announce his entry into the Royal Rumble match. Instead, he wrestled a 30 minute commercial free match with Elias.
Now, we must wait until Cena’s next WWE appearance, which will most likely be at Raw’s 25th anniversary show. Since it will be the last Raw before the Royal Rumble, John Cena won’t have time to build a marquee singles match for the event and will likely just announce his entry into the thirty man battle royal instead.
John Cena is no stranger to the Royal Rumble match, either. The 15 year veteran has competed in seven Royal Rumble matches and is one of the few to come out as the winner twice. Cena should end up adding to his historic résumé when he comes out victorious once again in the 2018 Royal Rumble match.
Credit: WWE.com
3. His Free Agent Status Draws Intrigue
John Cena is one of the few “free agents” in a WWE world where most Superstars are exclusively signed to either the Raw or SmackDown brand. This kind of restriction, however, does not apply Cena, as he can appear on either show depending on where the company needs him.
This is a perk that not even Brock Lesnar, perennial part timer, has. That means that, outside of the (possibly) retired Undertake, Cena is the only on that could challenge the world champion on either brand at WrestleMania if he wins the Royal Rumble match.
So, Cena could appear on both Raw and SmackDown Live on the Road to WrestleMania as he teases challenging each world champion. A possible matchup between John Cena and Brock Lesnar or another rematch between Cena and Styles at WrestleMania could surely steal the show and draw a crowd.
However, Cena would inevitably choose to challenge Styles or whoever’s holding the WWE Championship come WrestleMania because it seems set in stone that Roman Reigns will go on to challenge Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34.
Regardless of who Cena chooses, the fact that he would make the audience wait on his decision would make the final two PPVs before WrestleMania mean something since it’d be unknown who Cena is going to challenge and who the #1 contender for each championship would be.
A free agent winning the Royal Rumble will create unpredictability, surprises, and great storylines; all of which are great television for the Road to WrestleMania.
Credit: WWE.com
2. Cena Makes History
WWE loves to brag about making history. Whether we’re talking about the longest title reigns, the most title reigns, undefeated streaks, attendance records, or any other history making moment, WWE will be sure to mention it time and time again until you’re sick of hearing it.
So, it will be hard for WWE creative to pass up on TWO opportunities to make history at the Royal Rumble, especially when it comes to their biggest star. Super Cena made history at the Royal Rumble last year by tying Ric Flair’s record for most title reigns, and he could make history at this year’s Rumble, too.
Currently, Cena is one of six Superstars to have two Royal Rumble victories. If Cena wins the 2018 Rumble match, he will join Stone Cold Steve Austin as the only Superstars to win the Royal Rumble match three times.
While, it would be nice for John to celebrate another milestone of tying a record, this win would also give him the opportunity to break a record. As I mentioned earlier in the article, Cena is currently tied with Flair with 16 world championship reigns.
A win at the Royal Rumble would give Cena the chance to capture the record breaking 17th world championship at WrestleMania 34, and that story sells itself and would definitely be the perfect “WresteMania moment” that the WWE loves to talk about.
The only problem is that we will have to hear the announce team talk about that accomplishment for months and possibly years after WrestleMania if Cena does win.
Credit: WWE.com
1. He is WWE’s Biggest Draw
John Cena has been WWE’s golden boy and poster child since the mid 2000’s. He embodies what it means to be a WWE Superstar with his “Hustle. Loyalty. Respect.” and Never Give Up” catch phrases.
Cena is WWE’s biggest star at the moment, regardless of being a part timer, as his merchandise sales have topped the charts for over a decade, and he always draws a huge crowd whenever he appears on a show.
He is also a great ambassador for WWE. Cena has granted the most wishes for the Make A Wish Foundation, hosted American Grit, and appeared on countless talk shows, TV shows, and movies. His theme song and “You can’t see me” catchphrase have even become popular memes on the internet.
Cena is one of the most recognizable WWE personalities outside of The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold, and possibly others like The Undertaker or Ric Flair. When WrestleMania comes around, it is all about appeasing to the casual fans, and there is no better face to have at the top of the card than John Cena.
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John is the guy who has been carrying the company for the past decade, and as long as he sticks around, it is going to stay that way. So, while hardcore fans may be sick of it by now, John Cena winning the Royal Rumble and main eventing WrestleMania may just be best for business.