WWE planning for John Cena to finally break the company’s 34-year-long record at next year’s WrestleMania: Reports
In what would be an unprecedented milestone, John Cena may become the first WWE Superstar to hold 17 world titles in company's history.
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John Cena (via WWE)
John Cena, who’s 47, will officially retire from in-ring competition at the end of 2025. He formally announced his WWE farewell tour earlier this year while making a surprise appearance at Money in the Bank. Apart from a litany of big-time matches, he’s penciled in for, it seems like the wrestler-turned-actor will make that one final stride towards an elusive 17th world title reign.
As a matter of fact, this possibility has been strongly talked about within WWE, per Dave Meltzer via Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The veteran journalist banked on Cena to challenge either of the current world title holders as the company is trying to make a compelling case for him to break Ric Flair’s decades-old record. Flair won his 16th WWE Championship way back in April 1980.
John leveled it up after dethroning AJ Styles at Royal Rumble in 2017. Both Cena and Ric have 16 world titles apiece, and that might stay as it is forever. But if there’s one man who’s on the brink of history, it’s John Cena. That’d not come easy. Statistically speaking, The Cenation Leader hasn’t registered a one-on-one win since 2018.
WWE Has Strongly Talked About Having John Cena Challenge For A World Title At WrestleMania 41
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) November 1, 2024
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We do know that the idea of Cena challenging one of the two champions, in an effort to have him break Flair’s record is something strongly talked about, including for Mania.
Dave Meltzer via WON
If that tells anything, John doesn’t have the legs to keep pace with reigning world champions, viz. Cody Rhodes and Gunther. In fact, the two are in their prime and country miles ahead of Cena in terms of work rate. If the Peacemaker star were to challenge either of them, it may not end well for the erstwhile face of WWE.
The Franchise Player had his last singles match almost a year ago when he succumbed to a physically outmatched Solo Sikoa. Racing against time, John knows there’s only one way out—never give up!—which has been his MO since day one.
When is John Cena expected to return to WWE?
The Ricky Stanicky actor will kick off his WWE retirement tour at the onset of the new year. He has already confirmed his presence for the debut episode of Raw on Netflix. The appearance is expected to fetch more information about Cena’s swansong stretch.
Names like Randy Orton, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Cody Rhodes, etc. have all pitched to wrestle John Cena before he rides off into the sunset. Moreover, there are certain stars that Mr. Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect himself wants to work with.
Those include AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and Logan Paul, to name a few, and Cena notified WWE about his wish list. If it comes to fruition, the fans are in for something special.
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Vibhor Pal
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