Recent reports have claimed that John Cena is set to appear at WWE WrestleMania 39 in his bid to become “the next Rock”.
2022 will be the first year following Cena’s debut in 2002 that he has not competed in a match for WWE, but that seems set to change in 2023.
With WrestleMania taking place in Hollywood, it seems obvious that an aspiring movie megastar would want to be featured on one of the biggest events in sports and entertainment. Throw in the fact he is one of the greatest superstars in WWE history, and it’s a perfect match.
It is not confirmed yet if Cena will be wrestling but one would assume given his love of the industry and respect for the fans. Whoever Cena faces would also get a serious rub with it being one of the marquee matches on the card.
Roman Reigns and The Rock seem on an Undisputed WWE Universal Title collision course, while Cena has already faced Bray Wyatt twice at ‘Mania and it wouldn’t feel special. Brock Lesnar and Cena has been done enough times.
Austin Theory’s push being halted seems to have put paid to any hopes he might have had of facing the 16-time Champ. Any possible CM Punk WWE return seems fraught with complications, so we will leave him off the list for the time being.
So, who might he face? GiveMeSport takes you through 10 possible opponents for John Cena at WrestleMania 39…
10. Logan Paul
Logan has wowed everyone with his performances so far in his three-match WWE career, most recently putting on a classic with Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. If his knee injuries aren't as bad as he first feared, a Hollywood clash between two huge stars from different worlds doesn't seem a bad idea.
9. Edge
Edge is arguably Cena’s greatest rival, as highlighted on the WWE Rivals series only recently. With this in mind, and the crazy fact they have never competed in a singles WrestleMania match, who would say no to one last match between the two icons? It could be the last chance to do it.
8. Randy Orton
For Edge, see Orton. The only man who could claim to have a bigger or better rivalry with Cena, and another whose only encounter with came in a triple threat match at ‘Mania. With Orton hopefully returning soon and likely turning heel, will his attentions turn to John once he’s done with Riddle?
7. Gunther
There has been some online chatter recently about Gunther facing off with Cena at ‘Mania, something the big Austrian has said he would be all for. The Intercontinental Title is the only one missing from Cena’s collection. He is the ultimate babyface, Gunther is a monster heel. It sets itself.
6. Bobby Lashley
John Cena Bobby Lashley
In what was Lashley’s final WWE PPV match before his first exit, he lost to Cena in a WWE Title match at the Great American Bash 2007. It remains the only time the two have faced off. Lashley claims Cena felt threatened by him and forced his departure all those years ago? And there is your story.
5. Sami Zayn
Sami is in career form at the moment, and probably the MVP of WWE on a week-to-week basis. He deserves a mega match at ‘Mania, whether it is a tag match with Kevin Owens against The Usos or even a match with Cena. They did face off in Zayn’s first main roster match all the way back in 2015 after all.
4. Seth “Freakin’” Rollins
Cena and Seth share a long history, having feuded over the WWE and US Titles in 2015, culminating in a Title vs Title match at Summerslam. With Rollins now the US Champ, could he and Cena resume their feud? Rollins is also like Sami someone who has earned a WrestleMania moment this year.
3. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre is a two-time WWE Champion
Despite being on the main roster together from 2009 to 2014, Drew and John have never wrestled one another. It is something the big Scot wants to rectify, having called it is his dream match during a recent interview on WWE’s “The Bump.” It is one of the few big first-time matches left for Cena.
2. Cody Rhodes
They have collided in the ring, but it seems a lifetime ago, given Cody was a young rookie and not the “American Nightmare” of today. Cody’s AEW history, the fact he received Cena-like split reactions there and everything else makes the potential promos mouth-watering.
It seems certain Cody will be pushed heavily upon return from injury and have a huge ‘Mania match – if not for the big titles, who better than Cena?
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The dream matches of all dream matches on this list, and possibly anywhere in WWE. It did not seem possible for 20 years, but with Stone Cold returning to the ring at last year’s event to face Kevin Owens, there might be a chance.
There is a great level of respect and admiration between the pair, and absolute magic would be created. A Night 1 headlined by Cena vs Stone Cold; a Night 2 headlined by Reigns vs The Rock? Please.