John Cena’s next match could be a cross-generational clash between him and WWE’s upstart Theory. 

We haven’t seen John Cena compete in a WWE ring since SummerSlam last year, as the WWE legend was unsuccessful in his bid to down Universal Champion Roman Reigns and win a record seventeenth world title. 

However, although he didn’t appear at WrestleMania, the WWE legend did confirm at the start of this year that he’s far from done with WWE, and it seems WWE are already paving the way for his next bout with the company.

Since November we’ve seen the dramatic rise up the ranks of Theory. Beginning at Survivor Series, where he was revealed as the man who stole Vince McMahon’s golden egg, Theory has continued to play an integral part of Monday Night Raw.

His connection to the WWE Chairman has continued, with Vince taking on a mentoring role over the 24-year-old and it’s led to spot in February’s Elimination Chamber match - where he shared the ring with Brock Lesnar in the bout’s closing stages - a big WrestleMania outing against Pat McAfee and involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, and his recent United States Championship win - the youngster Superstar to ever hold that title. 

His stock is so high in fact, that a recent backstage note from Wrestlevotes has suggested that McMahon sees Theory as ‘the new John Cena’. A comparison that can only mean even bigger things could be on the horizon for Theory.

One of those things could be a match against Cena himself as discussed by Wrestletalk this week. The pair have already begun to wage war on social media, after Theory aimed a cheeky birthday dig at the sixteen-time world champ, upon winning the United States title. 

Mockingly apologising on Twitter for already being a better champion that former five-time US Title holder, Cena ever was. Not one to let a dig slide, Cena instantly responded by agreeing with the upstart, and stating that he has more talent than he ever did at the same age. 

The online exchange has led to speculation that WWE are setting up a match between the two, with WrestleMania the obvious destination - especially given it’s Hollywood theme and Cena’s crossover appeal following his successful transition into the movie industry. 

Stay tuned to GiveMeSport for more on this developing story and plans for both Theory and Cena in the coming months.