You Can See Me: Will John Cena’s Appearance on WWE SmackDown Mark the Beginning of the End?
On the February 11th episode of WWE Backstage, it was announced that John Cena will be returning to the WWE on this week’s episode of SmackDown. This marks the first appearance on WWE television since July 22nd, 2019; a special episode of Raw dubbed Raw Reunion, which featured many past WWE superstars returning to the program in segments that helped Raw garner its highest television rating of the year.
SmackDown, now being touted as WWE’s flagship show, is hoping to continue their newfound dominance in Friday night entertainment ratings, which will undoubtedly see an increase through Cena’s appearance.
For Cena, this appearance is being heavily speculated to mark the beginning of the end. Bringing a close to the nearly 20-year career of one of WWE’s most popular superstars.
Cena, who originally debuted on SmackDown on June 27th, 2002, quickly became a fan favorite for his “Doctor of Thuganomics” gimmick. A heel at the time, Cena would perform raps slandering his opponents during promos.
Rising to prominence during a feud with Brock Lesnar during the latter’s second WWE Championship reign, Cena became a staple of the upper midcard scene on SmackDown. The rest, well, can be summed up through this list:
· 13x WWE Champion (Typically touted as the flagship show’s world title during the Cena’s career)
· 3x WWE World Heavyweight Champion
· 5x WWE United States Champion
· 2x WWE Tag Team Champion
· 2x WWE World Tag Team Champion
· 1x Money in the Bank Winner
· 2x Royal Rumble Winner
In addition to his in-ring accomplishments, John Cena merchandise became wweshop.com’s hottest seller for nearly 15 years; finally, being overpassed by current “Top Guy” Roman Reigns by the end of Q2 2018. Outside of WWE, Cena has followed in fellow WWE alum Dwayne Johnson’s and Dave Bautista’s footsteps as a prominent movie star, appearing in box office hits like Blockers and Bumblebee.
Most notably, Cena holds the Make-a-Wish foundation record for most granted wishes; having granted over 600 (and counting). But fan reception to Cena at WWE live events was not always positive. In the previous decade, it was easy to hear combatting chants of “Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks” between members of the WWE Universe during his matches.
Speculation for Cena’s return is abundant. Did he catch the bug again after seeing the thunderous ovation Edge received at this year’s Royal Rumble? Does he want one last run at being the top guy before he bows out? Will he serve as an on-air personality that appears time to time for added hype? Or has he signed a Legends contract to appear only on the big four WWE pay per view events (Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, Summerslam, and Survivor Series) along with the financially lucrative Saudi Arabian shows?
Putting my fantasy booking hat on, I think that this appearance will plant the seeds for the last program of Cena’s in-ring career.
At 42 years old and budding movie career, I think Cena will return to face the titans of today.
How much fun would it be to see “Super-Cena” challenge the Fiend for the Universal title? Or to take one last crack at Brock Lesnar, the man who helped Cena rise to prominence all the years ago? Maybe a program with Edge will make its way onto the screen, as the Rated-R Superstar and Cena have performed so well together on many occasions in the mid-2000s. We don’t exactly know yet what’s in-store for Cena, but it will be must-see television.
