5 WWE superstars who can replace John Cena

For the most part of the decade, the self-proclaimed "Doctor of Thuganomics", John Cena has been the franchise player of the WWE having able to capture the wide imagination of fans around the world by taking a page from everyone's favourite fantasy book - in which he makes the impossible possible.

As he turns 41 later this April, the 16-time world champion continues to defy the odds of time making weekly appearances on company's flagship show, RAW, but it could be argued that Cena's days in the WWE is numbered.

With that being taken into consideration, Sportskeeda will look at five superstars on WWE's current roster who can take the spot of Cena as the new face of the company.

Note: On this list, we are only considering stars who are 35-years or younger.

#5 Bayley

BayleyWait. What? A woman is going to replace Cena.

Start paying attention to Bayley. The 28-year-old San Jose California fighter is one of the most adorable, likeable, suitable and of course the most huggable women's superstar today.

Aside from her distinctive looks and charm which is one of the massive assets required to be a franchise star, the former Raw women's champion has that inspiring ability to defy incredible odds. Just have a look-see on her match with the undefeated Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka last week on Raw.

However, to reach that point, Bayley should improve her in-ring performance by trying to explore death-defying moves that made Lita and Trish Stratus' a treat to watch. Moreover, her gimmick needs a complete makeover that will help her in escaping the mid-carder status.

#4 Kevin Owens

Turning a heel into a folk hero for the WWE Universe doesn't happen overnight.

It would take a lot of brutal matches, great mic skills, some good luck and some great convincing. When Owens entered into the main roster in 2015, he was immediately projected as an antagonist having to go up against Cena in his Raw debut.

However, it turned out to be a great move by WWE as Owens blossomed into one of the best heels we have ever seen for a while. Additionally, he has great mic skills.

The 33-year-old is currently in the prime of his career and building him as the next Cena could elevate his career to a whole new level while generating merchandise sales for the company.

But seriously, he should first start with changing his entrance mmusic.

#3 Jason Jordan

After a four-year stint with NXT, Jason Jordan was drafted along with Chad Gable to join WWE Smackdown and together they formed the duo known as the American Alpha.

Jordan and Gable became a Smackdown Tag Team Champions once before the former moved to Raw last year where he was introduced as Kurt Angle's son.

While Jordan is well in Raw where he also won the brand's tag team championship together with Seth Rollins, it would be a no-brainer for the company to elevate his status in the near future as the 29-year-old Orlando, Florida warrior has all the physical gifts necessary to take Cena's spot.

Currently, Jordan is sitting out due to a neck injury he suffered at the Royal Rumble but once he fully recovers, WWE should consider putting him in the spotlight and maybe even contend for the world championship next year.

#2 Sami Zayn

If there's one adjective that could describe how WWE is handling Sami Zayn's career, it would be lackadaisical. A long word which conveys nothing worth attention.

After a memorable stint with NXT, the 33-year-old Canadian sports entertainer was primed to have a fruitful career in the main roster where he would headline a pay-per-view after the other.

Zayn debuted on Raw two years where he first went up against Cena in the United States Open Challenge and he absolutely gave the future Hall of Famer a run for his money in a match that lasted over 15 minutes. Did we mention that it was despite the fact that Zayn blew out his shoulder during his entrance in the match!

It was a great start but unfortunately, Zayn was put by the company on the mid-card and a Robin to his best-friend Kevin Owens.

As attention shifts to Fastlane where he is scheduled to battle Kevin Owens and reigning champion AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, this would be a perfect time for WWE to make up for their losses and build Zayn to become what he can truly be - a franchise superstar

#1 Dean Ambrose

When Dean Ambrose won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against his buddy, Seth Rollins, two years ago, everything seemed to be looking up for the Cincinnati Ohio native.

Unfortunately, the company did not pay close attention to him. Rather, they went on the Roman Reigns-Rollins feud which for that time was the right decision putting Ambrose back in the mid-card level where he gave a much-needed relevance to the Intercontinental division.

The 32-year-old Ambrose who is currently on the sidelines due to a triceps injury he suffered at the end of last year is expected to return in September just in time for the dangerous Hell in a Cell pay-per-view which is somewhat a better time to revive his career.

In his seven-year career with WWE, Ambrose is best described as an unstable and unpredictable baby-faced assassin who embraced a heroic character after leaving The Shield and it would be excellent to give it one more shot again - but this time he should stay a hero.

With great mic skills, technical wrestling background, and a solid fan base, the potential for the Lunatic Fringe is limitless.

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Edited by Shruti Sadbhav