For the primary time in over a decade, John Cena can lastly say “The Champ Is Right here” once more after defeating Cody Rhodes in the controversial important occasion that closed out WrestleMania 41 Night time Two. And whereas I’m celebrating the Physician of Thuganomics’ historic title reign (is seventeenth total world title), I’m additionally over right here occupied with the good championship matches we’re going to see throughout Cena’s farewell tour.
From operating again a few of Cena’s most iconic feuds to matches with a number of of WWE’s greatest upcoming stars and extra, there are such a lot of locations we might go earlier than the longer term WWE Corridor of Famer hangs up his boots and leaves his signature sweatbands within the ring on the finish of the 12 months. On prime of that, I’ve an thought for a way the run will finish, nevertheless it’s not so simple as you assume…
I am Shocked Saying This, However I Cannot Wait For John Cena Vs. Randy Orton
In the event you had advised 2009 Philip Sledge that he would someday be trying ahead to seeing a middle-aged John Cena and Randy Orton wrestling for the WWE Championship, he’d most likely say you’re loopy. But, right here I’m anxiously ready for these two grizzled veterans to run it again one final time. And judging by how issues went throughout the post-Mania episode of Monday Night time Uncooked, it appears to be like like that is going to be Cena’s first huge title protection.
I imply, it is smart contemplating the upcoming WWE occasion Backlash is in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis (this shall be my son’s first wrestling present, by the best way). I don’t assume “The Viper” will defeat Cena or something like that (perhaps Travis Scott will proceed to intervene), however this shall be an effective way to kick off what has the potential to be an incredible title reign for Cena.
The SummerSlam Foremost Occasion Has To Be John Cena Vs. CM Punk
One other basic feud I’d prefer to see proceed this 12 months is CM Punk vs. John Cena, which gave us a few of the finest matches of the 2010s and WWE’s first five-star match in practically a decade-and-a-half again at Cash within the Financial institution 2011. These two had an incredible second within the remaining stretch of the 2025 Elimination Chamber simply earlier than Cena pulled off one of many most stunning heel turns in wrestling historical past, and I’d like to see them go all out as soon as once more.
And a match like this HAS to be the principle occasion of SummerSlam, which shall be shifting to the two-night format for the primary time within the occasion’s decades-long historical past. The Summer time of Punk could also be nothing however a distant reminiscence, however these two going through off within the remaining huge present earlier than the autumn is one thing that I, and tens of millions of different wrestling followers, can get behind.
I Would Love A John Cena Vs. Roman Reigns Title Match In The Combine
John Cena and Roman Reigns final met at SummerSlam 2021, the place they battled over Reigns’ WWE Common Championship. And whereas I really feel unusual saying this, I might like to see them wrestle one another for the WWE Title sooner or later earlier than Cena walks into the sundown and by no means enters the ring once more. And now with Reigns being a chief with no tribe, a person with no associates, a warrior with no wiseman, it might truthfully be some of the fascinating matches of the 12 months.
With in-ring kinds that complement one another, the power to make the gang eat out of the palm of their hand with little to no hassle, and unmatched physicality, this showdown between a prideful heel champ and a crushed and double-crossed challenger may very well be a show-stealer at one of many huge reveals this summer time or fall.
A John Cena Vs. Sami Zayn Match, After Sami’s Unimaginable Babyface Run, Would Be Cash
I contemplate Sami Zayn the modern-day equal of Mick Foley for numerous completely different causes, the largest of these being his capacity to all the time join with the followers regardless of how badly he’s crushed and what number of instances he falls simply in need of capturing the gold. There are guys who can get extra out of chasing the championship than successful, and Sami is a kind of guys. He proved it throughout his Bloodline feud and he can show it once more.
I’m not saying Sami wouldn’t make an incredible world champion (he would), however he’s truthfully one of many babyfaces within the firm, one that might make Cena’s punishing heel offense look even stronger. If WWE needs to go all out with Cena’s heel work and switch it up a notch, that is your man to do it.
Having John Cena Vs. Jacob Fatu Might Be An Absolute Banger
Jacob Fatu continues to be technically a heel, and I don’t like heel vs. heel feuds. Nevertheless, judging by the gang’s response when “The Samoan Werewolf” defeated LA Knight for the USA Championship throughout WrestleMania 41 Night time 1, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than this fast-as-hell huge man is among the greatest fan-favorites within the firm. It’s simply onerous to not just like the man along with his insane pace, powerhouse offense, and pure lunacy.
Do I feel Fatu is able to maintain the largest championship in all of wrestling? No, not but. Nevertheless, the Bloodline member might placed on a present with the champ. I might additionally like to see some callbacks to Cena’s insane feud with Umaga, Fatu’s late uncle, from again within the day. Principally, this could be a ton of enjoyable and thrilling as all hell.
I Suppose Cody Rhodes Will Beat John Cena, However There’s A Catch…
So, I’ve gone over the tremendous matches I wish to see John Cena have earlier than his run as WWE Champion is over and accomplished with. Now, it’s time to interrupt down how I feel his run as champ will finish earlier than the top of the 12 months. And the person to do it must be Cody Rhodes, as a result of “The American Nightmare” must get his warmth again after dropping his title in such a disgraceful approach at WrestleMania 41.
I wouldn’t be shocked if Rhodes lays low for some time and takes some much-deserved break day after being champion for the previous 12 months earlier than coming again in a number of months. When he does return, I might see him coming again for his belt and difficult Cena, successful within the course of. Nevertheless it received’t be one other lengthy title reign for the second-generation wrestler. I might see whoever wins the Cash within the Financial institution briefcase (perhaps somebody like Bron Breakker) benefiting from a beaten-down champ after the struggle and claiming the title as their very own.
After which we start once more.
Solely time will inform what’ll occur with John Cena, his Undisputed WWE Championship, and the remainder of the corporate. However I do know I’ll be there for each match, each second, and each promo alongside the best way.