John Cena not part of WWE World Title picture for remainder of 2015

Will John Cena get past Flair’s record 16 title reign

According to a report on ringsidenews.com, WWE has decided it does not want to put John Cena in the company’s world title picture the remainder of the year, opening the door for him to tie Ric Flair’s 16 world title reigns in 2016.

The report, which appeared on ringsidenews.com and was sourced from F4WOnline.com, states the plan for Cena to claim another WWE belt would come at the hands of the man whom the company wanted to put the world title on all along, Roman Reigns.

WWE does not plan on putting John Cena in the WWE World Heavyweight Title picture until next year. The idea is for him to tie Ric Flair’s 16 reigns, but before that happens WWE wants to put the title around Roman Reigns first. Reigns would later drop the title to Cena sometime next year.

In the mean time, Cena would be feuding with other WWE Superstars.

I applaud the company for taking a step back and looking at other options for the world title picture. Even with the plethora of talent to choose from to give its top belt new life – which still includes Seth Rollins as the lead villain in this picture – the fact the company needs to give Cena another shot at the title and tie such a distinctive record tells me the McMahon’s may not be sold yet on a solid replacement for Cena once he hands up his jorts and sneakers.

I’d even go as far as to ask if giving Cena a chance to tie the record held by Flair is even necessary in today’s WWE with of its roster. Obviously, the answer to that question is a resounding, “YES!” It also means Vince McMahon’s influence on the future of the company is still strong and that Reigns has a heel turn coming in his future. The future title change is proof McMahon still wants Reigns to be the leader of the next generation of WWE superstars – a desire that has not been successful in its infancy and first attempt. The fans may not have been solidly behind a Reigns title run as a face wrestler, but they may be more inclined to jump on the bandwagon if Reigns was a heel champion and slower worked his way back to popularity with the WWE Universe before becoming a beloved hero, much like his cousin, The Rock.

So if Cena is not in the world title picture, does this mean he will win the United States Title at Night of Champions, and does who will be the top contender for the title? Will WWE creative finally find another opponent who can share the ring with the 15-time world champion like Kevin Owens and Rusev before him?

Booking a program with Cena is difficult. Losing the United States Title at WrestleMania was a poorly designed spot – given the fact losing the WWE World Title shot meant nothing under the circumstances he lost the match (where are you now, Jon Stewart?) and the focus was on losing the U.S. Title, which seemed to mean more to Cena than tying Flair.

Does Cesaro – if healthy – get a shot at the title? The program would be solid, much the programs both men worked with Owens. Would Sheamus be another contender? Does Reigns fit into this kind of scenario – mainly since he has not held a singles title yet?

There are plenty of ways WWE could spin this opportunity, hopefully injecting new blood into the title scene. With Cena being the catalyst for the future of the strap, which is now the second most important belt in the promotion, WWE had better choose its opponent wisely. Regardless of a win or loss, the attention given to a title with Cena’s name on it means it is as important as any title defended – and will rival the world title for top billing in WWE.