Tag: John

You Don’t Know What You Got ‘Til It’s Gone

This classic Joni Mitchell lyric resonates in pop culture because it is true: Nothing lasts forever. 2025 is the last year we’ll see John Cena competing in a WWE ring. Many fans, despite Cena’s polarising career, will miss the face that runs the place. Yet, physically in the ring, John Cena is not the competitor he once was.

Since transitioning to Hollywood, Cena’s last few bouts have been unmemorable or insignificant. Passing the torch to Austin Theory and Solo Sikoa was a letdown. The reasons go beyond Cena’s control. However, Cena has never been a work-rate wrestler. He’s always had an unpolished streak. Being out of the ring for so long, plus time and age, nature takes its course.

Realistically, the in-ring performance doesn’t matter as much. This final year for Super Cena could easily coast on nostalgia, Cena’s talking prowess, and goodwill. Plus, the overarching story of can Cena win one more world title.

But fans don’t want to see an athlete, like aging music, pretending to be still what they once were. AEW currently has this with Chris Jericho. Both matches and a documentary series have worn away at The Undertaker’s omnipotence and impacted perceptions of his legacy.

Nostalgia has been potent for so long. Nevertheless, utilizing some of Cena’s previous and best opponents could do more than cover up weaknesses. Possibly even help the re-evaluation and appreciation of Cena’s legacy.

Sheamus

A strange choice, but there are both story and practical reasons.

Over time, fan appreciation and respect for Sheamus has grown. The Celtic Warrior has become a consistent banger merchant during a career Renaissance. Sheamus is more than a safe pair of hands who could pummel Cena in a way that evokes pathos.

Sheamus’ is the Benjamin Button of WWE. It’s like the Irishman’s career has gone backward, peaking at its beginning with two WWE Championship victories and then moving down the card. Who did Sheamus beat for that first world championship? John Cena.

A match or feud with these two could help re-write and re-evaluate both men’s forgettable earlier clashes. Especially given how both men have changed.

Sheamus, as a heel viciously taking over a decade of frustration out of Cena, could end a so-so rivalry with a bruising red-chested banger. Giving Cena a credible win in a grueling contest would allow him to display his never-give-up attitude in a way that would feel earned.

A solid story beat if Cena is going to win another world title. For Sheamus, it would be validation for the character and wrestler.

Seth Rollins

John Cena and Seth Rollins are foils, yet their careers parallel each other in various ways. Their striking differences in lifestyle, origin, wrestling styles, and personalities. Although similarly, both initially struggled to find their place in the WWE system.

Each took turns as the flagbearer and locker room leader. They defended the company and took insults and mockery for it. Despite their differences, both are good examples of company men.

Unlike Rollins, Cena never changed who he was when he became the world champion. Think of the number of gimmicks, adjustments, and wardrobes Rollins has burned through. Likewise, how many times did Cena have to accept stepping aside for someone else to take the spotlight?

A story of jealousy could result in some cutting promo battles that leave both men looking diamond-sharp. Reexamining their “company guy” personas with a deeper and more personal look would allow The Visionary to emphasize how, during difficult times, he was the guy WWE needed him to be.

In contrast, Cena defending his stability would emphasize his character’s integrity and willpower.

The result in the ring could match or be compared with the pair’s previous ten singles matches, which produced some of Cena’s best work.

AJ Styles

AJ Styles could return soon. Another round or series between two of the defining wrestlers of the 2000s and 2010s seems like a no-brainer. AJ Styles is one of Cena’s last great opponents. Both men elevated each other in their previous rivalry.

Cena made Styles a WWE stalwart. Styles made Cena rhythmic in-ring. Plus, there is so much story left on the table that’s not been explored.

A story that doesn’t have to rely on their pasts. Like Cena, Styles is getting closer to the end of his career. As another foil and parallel, Styles could stand in Cena’s way of the world championship.

Styles could want the gold for himself to cement his legacy. Such stakes for both men would elevate the world championship’s prestige and could be the heart of their story.

Also, the possibility of a post-match show of mutual respect between the former TNA original and WWE centerpiece would make another historical moment and milestone for both men’s careers.

Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens cracked the code in WWE. No matter the feud or card position, Owens makes it work. During an era when some heels floundered creatively after fighting John Cena, Owens won gold and remains a utility player with credibility.

He is capable of making any feud or stakes meaningful with his silver tongue and passion.

Owens’s current heel persona doesn’t stand on ceremony and sees through the aura. If there is a wrestler vicious enough to rip through the veneer of hustle, loyalty, and respect and expose Cena as out of his depth, making Cena an actual underdog because wrestling has moved on, and now Cena is a relic of the past, it’s Owens.

In establishing and making fans believe Cena is not the invulnerable, indestructible figure he once was, Owens can do it.

CM Punk

Even if it’s just in promos rather than in a match, not having CM Punk and John Cena spar again would be a wasted opportunity. Their perfect foils and enemies.

Punk rock vs. conventional jock; alternative individualism vs. mainstream corporate; indy vs. sports entertainment. More recently, company man since his return vs. company man forever.

The latter is a rich vein of jewels that remains within the Punk “you left” narrative. It just needs to be struck at the right angle.

Punk can articulate some fans’ thoughts into a headline. Is this final run a vanity project rather than for the fans? And in return, Cena can point out a perceived hypocrisy.

Why is CM Punk suddenly a company man? Beyond the change of management and culture change, Punk subtly took credit for it. Praising corporate synergy isn’t punk.

While opposites, what joined Punk and Cena is their integrity and beliefs. Yet CM Punk has somewhat become a mascot, something Punk demonized Cena for being. In addition, Cena persisted when the business took him from his body, health, and personal life, and fans hated him. He remained true to himself. If Punk was honest, who’s the real sellout?

It flips the dynamic of their historic feud. With CM Punk playing against the cruel heel, there’s more than nostalgia. As shown from Punk’s feud with Drew McIntyre, although the body weakens, the mind can sharpen. Punk could be the man who makes John Cena’s Superman feel timeless. Make fans want just one more match.