Top 5 Superstars WWE could push as the next John Cena

Adam Cole
Adam Cole

The last megastar that WWE produced was John Cena. He's a household name, even among non-wrestling fans. Cena is truly an icon, and he was WWE's top star for more than ten years. Vince McMahon himself believes that Cena is the perfect WWE Superstar.

Cena has definitely earned that spot with his work inside and outside the ring. But in recent years, he has become a part-time star. WWE desperately needs to start grooming his replacement. The end of Cena's run as a full-timer has created a glaring need for another WWE megastar.

John Cena John Cena visiting David, a stage 4 cancer patient
John Cena John Cena visiting David, a stage 4 cancer patient

To be fair, WWE has arguably built a new megastar in the form of Roman Reigns. For several years, WWE has heavily pushed him, and "The Big Dog" has become one of the company's top stars. Earlier in his career, the audience started getting fed up with the way WWE was forcing Reigns down the viewers' throats. Soon, the audience completely turned on him, so it seemed like WWE had failed.

But recently, Reigns' career has reached a new level. Since his heel turn last year, Reigns has been one of the top wrestlers in the industry. His "Head of the Table" character has earned a lot of praise, so it looks like WWE has its next megastar after all.

Reigns' success can't be ignored. But this list focuses on the large group of talented stars that WWE seems to overlook. Several of these wrestlers would thrive if WWE gave them a chance in the spotlight. Though the company has successfully made some new stars, it still needs to build the next face of the franchise.

If WWE pushes the right wrestlers and books them successfully, the company could easily produce another icon. With that being said, here's a look at five wrestlers who WWE could push to create its next John Cena.

5 Keith Lee (WWE RAW)

Keith Lee
Keith Lee

Keith Lee is currently being pushed as one of the top babyfaces of WWE RAW, and he is well-liked by the fans. Lee made his WWE debut in NXT after a remarkable run on the independent circuit. Even before Lee competed in a WWE ring, many fans already knew that Lee could be the next big thing.

During his time in NXT, Lee proved that he can very well hold his position at the top of the roster. He spent over two years on the black-and-gold brand before he moved to the main roster. During his NXT run, he made a few impressive appearances on WWE pay-per-views. First, Lee had a great showing at WWE Survivor Series 2019.

A few months later, "The Limitless One" competed in the 2020 Royal Rumble Match. There, he stood toe to toe with Brock Lesnar. Clearly, WWE has high hopes for Lee. The former NXT Champion definitely has the potential to grab the brass ring and rise to the top of WWE.

Lee also undoubtedly has the "wow" factor. He's one of the largest men on the main roster, but he moves like a cruiserweight. "The Limitless One" impresses the fans every time he's on WWE programming, and he could carry the company for a few years.

#4 Becky Lynch (WWE Raw)

Becky Lynch with the Raw Women's Championship
Becky Lynch with the Raw Women's Championship

Becky Lynch rapidly became one of the top stars in WWE. She is arguably the most successful member of the Four Horsewomen, and she has already secured her spot as one of the company's top stars. It's fair to say that she's already a megastar. But she hasn't reached Cena's level quite yet.

"The Man" quickly rocketed to the main scent scene, and she made WWE history when she competed in the final match at WrestleMania 35. If WWE had to bet on any of its current megastars to draw in fans the way Cena once did, it would be "The Irish Lass Kicker."

But Lynch recently became a mother, so it's fair to question her WWE future. Lynch has been absent from WWE programming since she announced her pregnancy. Now that she has given birth, she might stay away the ring for a few more months.

Still, "The Man" is one of the company's top stars. When she comes back, she'll continue to add to her remarkably successful career. Lynch is only 33 years old, so she's still in her prime. If WWE books her correctly, she could cement her spot as the next John Cena.

#3 Adam Cole (WWE NXT)

Adam Cole
Adam Cole

Many WWE fans have adored Adam Cole since his NXT debut. His outstanding in-ring skills help him stand out on a talented NXT roster. Cole has also led the Undisputed ERA, one of the best stables in recent memory.

Apart from his amazing wrestling skills, Cole carries himself like a star. He walks, talks and wrestles like he's WWE's top guy. Though Cole doesn't isn't as physically big as John Cena, the company has given him plenty of opportunities as a main eventer. For example, he has already defeated Daniel Bryan on an episode of WWE SmackDown.

As a result, it wouldn't be surprising if Cole replicated his NXT success on the main roster. He has also excelled outside of the ring, as many fans enjoy his regular appearances on UpUpDownDown and his own Twitch account. Plus, his feud with Pat McAfee brought some fresh eyes to NXT and proved that Cole could thrive as a babyface.

Cole held the NXT Championship for 396 days, so there's no doubt that WWE trusts him. He hasn't been called up to the main roster yet. But if WWE handles Cole correctly, he could easily become the household name that he is destined to be.

B#2 Big E (WWE SmackDown)

Big E Big E
Big E

Big E reminds many fans of a young John Cena. He is universally well-liked, and the WWE Universe is practically begging the company to give Big E the main event push he deserves. Now that he has been separated from the New Day, Big E might finally be on his way to the main event scene.

He's already the perfect package. He can wrestle, he can talk, and he is extremely over with the fans. WWE management has seemingly noticed how much the audience likes Big E, as the promising star recently won the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Big E's success as a singles star is long overdue. Many WWE fans hope WWE management will strap a rocket to the lovable babyface and push him to the moon. His championship victory is certainly a step in the right direction.

If WWE plays its cards right, it could have an electric feud between Big E and Roman Reigns on its hands. WWE has seemingly planted some seeds for this rivalry, but fans will have to wait and see whether WWE follows through with these teases.

#1 - Drew McIntyre (WWE Raw)

Drew McIntyre celebrating after defeating Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 36
Drew McIntyre celebrating after defeating Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 36

Drew McIntyre is one of the most over wrestlers in WWE right now. His rise to the top began at WWE Royal Rumble 2020. When he kicked Brock Lesnar out of the ring, fans knew that "The Scottish Psychopath" was destined for greatness.

After that star-making moment, it was only a matter of time before McIntyre took his rightful place atop WWE RAW. That night, he won the Royal Rumble Match, amd he entered a heated feud with Lesnar. Then, in the main event of WrestleMania 36, McIntyre defeated "The Beast Incarnate" to win the WWE Championship.

McIntyre's championship run has been a little rocky. He was booked strongly until he lost the belt to Randy Orton. But McIntyre quickly won the title back, so he is firmly entrenched as the top star on WWE RAW.

"The Sexy Scotsman" is a natural babyface. Everything about him screams that he was born to be an iconic WWE Superstar. Plus, he has been the ideal role model, and WWE often uses him to deliver important messages. Last week on WWE RAW, McIntyre was the first in-character wrestler on WWE programming that addressed COVID-19.

He asked the fans to observe social distancing and wear a mask. With the decision to let McIntyre address the pandemic, WWE showed the fans that he's on a different level.

The sky's the limit for McIntyre. He should continue to thrive on the red brand. The WWE Champion has what it takes to become the next John Cena. But more importantly, he can become the first "Drew McIntyre," a star who will likely inspire wrestlers for many generations to come.

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