On this week's episode of Raw, John Cena teased a dream match with the Undertaker, only to finish it by saying that it won't happen. Many fans are pondering if this is a sign that we will have the match, or if Vince still has "a different vision for the show and thinking long-term picture not short-term."
Well, a lot of it depends on the condition of the Deadman. He has been in this industry for around 30 years and the time has come to hang up his boots. The fact that he underwent a major hip surgery in late 2017 diminishes his likelihood for showing up at 'The Showcase of Immortals.'
However, one thing which is undeniable is that John Cena will certainly have a match at WrestleMania. But, who will he face? Here are worthy some contenders for him.
#6 Rey Mysterio
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
Let's get this one out early. A surprising report from Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated suggests Rey Mysterio will face John Cena at WrestleMania. Some reports had also stated that he was backstage in the Staples Center and was working on a deal with the WWE.
In many interviews, the luchador has stated that he is open to work with the WWE, evident by his return at the Royal Rumble, but in a part-time schedule. His entry at 2018 Royal Rumble had accumulated 13 million views on YouTube - more than Ronda Rousey's appearance, which garnered only 3 million views.
This match won't have a good storyline other than Cena's desperation to have a match at WrestleMania and going to any length to have it. The fact that Mysterio has challenged Justin "Thunder" Liger to a match at Strong Style Evolved will do more bad than good for the WWE. This is a dream match which we can see perhaps at next year's WrestleMania, but maybe not this year.
#5 Johnny Gargano
It might come as a shock to many fans if this match happens. Though Cena buries a lot of superstars, he has done a tremendous job as far as building some of them up is concerned, like Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan and Shinsuke Nakamura just to name a few.
Johnny Wrestling has been fired from NXT but that doesn't mean he is gone from WWE permanently. In the near future, he has to make his main roster appearance, and what better way than facing Cena at the Grandest Stage of Them All. The fans have witnessed his athleticism at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, and it fits perfectly to be the next Daniel Bryan, which would work well with Cena.
For those who don't watch NXT, this might not be a huge name yet, but two years down the line, they will definitely agree that there would be no better way of him debuting than taking out the leader of Cenation.
#4 Going for the US Title
If The Miz is synonymous with the Intercontinental Title, then Cena is with the United States Title. He began the 'Open Challenge' gimmick and is obviously the greatest United States Champion in recent history.
Whether he takes on Bobby Roode, Randy Orton, Jinder Mahal or all of them at once, it will not matter. The current US title storyline is based on a 'Top 10' list, which is absurd given that WWE has come up with some interesting storylines in the past. Moreover, the belt has somewhat lost its glory since AJ Styles lost it. If Smackdown really wants to compete with its Monday night counterpart, then they need to fill in the spot which Miz does the best - the midcard champion.
The US and Intercontinental titles have been defended in multi-man matches in the past at WrestleMania unless the creative wants it in the pre-show. There is no other way to continue the tradition than having John Cena in it.
#3 Big Cass
It has been six months since Big Cass has been in the ring, and what better way to bring him than putting him against John Cena!
A PWInsider report noted that Cass is said to be in great shape and is moving around successfully without any assistance. After suffering an ACL injury in a match against Enzo Amore, his supposed monstrous push came to a screeching halt.
If WWE wants that push to be continued, they should avoid starting him from square one by bullying jobbers and rather let him go over some of the big guys in the industry. It won't do any good to Cena, but Vince's idea of having "a different vision for the show and thinking long-term picture not short-term" might come in handy here.
#2 A tag team match against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
Anti-Authority storylines always work tremendously, and there is no one better at pulling one off than Cena.
Currently, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are on the verge of an authority storyline, although the current development of them suggests that they might be going against each other at WrestleMania, although it's definitely too early for them to break. The Shield, Nexus, Evolution, Legacy: all these factions lasted for years before disbanding themselves; evidently, the longer it stays, the hotter it breaks.
They have faced almost everyone in the Smackdown roster for a match to be considered at WrestleMania other than Cena. If they are to stick around and face Cena, then it better be a tag team match and not a handicap match. As far as Cena's partner is concerned, there are lots of talented guys in the locker room like Tye Dillinger and Sin Cara waiting breathlessly in the land of opportunity to partner him.
#1 Dolph Ziggler
If there is anyone besides Rusev who gets the largest pop in Smackdown despite being a heel, then it is Dolph Ziggler.
The Showoff has proved that the crowd wants to see more of him than any other superstar. However, if he claims that no one can do what he does better than him in the ring, then we don't need a promo for that. We want him to prove that by taking out the most polarizing superstar of WWE at Wrestlemania. As they will both be in the same ring to challenge AJ Styles for the title at Fastlane, the seeds of their rivalry can be planted there. Additionally, Cena closed this week's Smackdown by giving an Attitude Adjustment to him. This shows that the creative is very much interested in having them square off in the near future.
As of now, all paths for Ziggler lead to him in the pre-show Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, which is the worst case scenario for the former World Champion. Moreover, both are getting opposite reactions from the crowd based on their babyface and heel roles, and this adds more sense to have this match booked at WrestleMania.
What did you think of our list? Leave your comments below.