John Cena is one of the most popular superstars WWE has ever produced. Dubbed as “The Franchise” and “Golden Boy” of the company, Cena carried the company on his back for a decade. As a matter of fact, some might say Cena is the last real megastar that the promotion has had in almost 20 years. Much like his fierce rival The Rock, Cena has gradually been making the transition to Hollywood and is slowly winding down his in-ring career with the WWE for some time now.
In 2020, Cena showed up just a handful of times to build up his impending collision with “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt at last year’s WrestleMania. Shortly after the match, John would go back to Hollywood and honor his duties there. Due to his strict schedule, Cena stated recently that it’s “not possible” for him to be at this year’s “Showcase of the Immortals”. Whether he is playing with the fans’ emotions or it’s just physically impossible for him to be there Cena will eventually be back on our screens sooner rather than later.
The former “Doctor of Thuganomics” will undoubtedly have one last farewell run in the company. It’s just a matter of when and not if. There is not a doubt in anyone’s mind that John Cena still has enough gas left in the tank and could have outstanding matches with the sports-entertainers of today. And these dream matches with the “Cenation” leader might be the star-making bouts that could make the careers of these current performers. The following men could give John Cena the best matches for his inevitable return to WWE.
Adam Cole
For the past number of years, Adam Cole has been the undisputed face of NXT. Cole’s dominance over the black and gold brand has netted him anything and everything NXT has to offer. And the scary part is this is just the beginning of a storied career Adam Cole will have in the WWE. Charismatic as can be with the in-ring chops to back it up, Cole would be more than a worthy high-profile adversary for John Cena once he returns. Cole’s cool and calm demeanor will definitely be an interesting pairing with the often uncontainable energy of Cena.
The promos would be legendary as both possess the comedic timing that’ll entertain millions in the most light-hearted way possible. The serious verbal smackdown between these two will be more than enough to put butts in seats. And we all know what they’re capable of in the ring. Whether it’s on the main roster or NXT, this match is going to be a certified modern classic.
Damian Priest
Recently debuting on Monday Night RAW, Damian Priest immediately made an impression and made quick work of The Miz and John Morrison. Oozing with an undeniable cool factor and an unorthodox style, Priest will definitely be the type of opponent John Cena has not faced before. The big man is an agile marvel that can catch you off-guard with his fast lethal strikes and high-flying acrobatics. The former Punishment Martinez is reminiscent of a modern-day Vampiro. Standing at six foot five and weighing 249 pounds, a man Priest’s size should not move like that. It would be intriguing to see how Cena would adjust to such an anomaly of a competitor.
Tommaso Ciampa
If Cena is looking for a down and dirty all-out fight then Tommaso Ciampa is the man for the job. A relentless and ruthless competitor, Ciampa has been a cornerstone of NXT for years. He has explicitly made it clear the NXT is his house and he’s not going anywhere. If Cena ever feels the need to take on this challenge, John will be the one to step into the domain of the bearded brute. Just seeing John Cena at the Capitol Wrestling Center in front of the NXT diehards or a TakeOver event would be more than enough to make this match blockbuster. Now imagine pairing him up with Ciampa in a matchup devoid of rules and restraints. Fair warning, it will not be for the faint of heart. It’s a box-office bloodbath fans are just ready to buy into.
Keith Lee
A powerhouse with a million-dollar smile that screams out “natural babyface?” That sounds very familiar. John Cena has been the poster boy of the company for a long time now. His kind, selfless attitude, and easy-going boyhood charms make him so marketable. WWE has been looking for the next mega babyface to push and be the flag bearer of the promotion. And Keith Lee might be the one to be handed the torch by Cena himself. Both are lovable teddy bears that kids and fans alike can easily relate to. Lee and Cena share the same philosophies like to never give up and never quit. One could be limitless if they set their mind to it. Inspiring things everyone loves to hear.
They’re real-life superheroes that could inspire a generation. Not to mention a match between these two would be a sight to see. Keith Lee is a freight train who moves like he’s under 205 pounds. While John Cena is a flashy competitor who pulls out moves he has never done to throw his opponent’s game off. If one day Cena comes back and calls out Keith Lee out of the blue and wants to fight him everyone would immediately buy a ticket to that show. Anytime and any place the matchup between these two without a shadow of a doubt would be terrific.
Karrion Kross
Cena is no stranger to the concept of “The Ultimate Good vs. Evil” matchup. But he has not faced a man of Karrion Kross‘s skill and power. Kross is not only a powerful and imposing figure but he is far more skilled and lethal than your average monster. Deceivingly quick Karrion could hurt Cena in a number of ways. His martial arts background gives him an arsenal of attacks whether he’s looking for the submission or a lethal blow for the pin, Karrion Kross can do it all. John Cena has been known for overcoming the odds. Whether it was The Big Show, Umaga, or The Great Khali, Cena has managed to scrape by, never give up, and pull off the victory. But with the “Harbinger of Doom,” Cena might just have met the behemoth that will end his career once and for all. Leaving the beloved hero to “Fall and Pray.”
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