Paul Heyman Reveals WWE Already Found “The Successor to John Cena”, Way Before It Became Evident to the WWE Universe

There was a time when WrestleMania was largely about The Undertaker’s unbroken winning streak. The Deadman made a career out of destroying everybody in his path at the Grandest Stage. However, at WrestleMania 30, Brock Lesnar raised many eyebrows when he conquered the historic streak of The Undertaker. Brock Lesnar’s former manager, Paul Heyman, revealed in a recent interview that the company knew who would be the “next big thing” when the streak ended. And it was not Brock Lesnar. 

WWE seemingly found “the successor to John Cena” after the streak was conquered. While breaking the streak gave Brock Lesnar major bragging rights, he was already well-established in the company. Conquering the streak made Lesnar an icon that was figuratively an impossible mountain to climb. However, WWE knew who would get to the summit of that mountain.

Reigns was the chosen one, years before his Tribal Chief persona picked up

While speaking on Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin, Paul Heyman revealed how WWE planned to exalt the career of Roman Reigns. This was planned when Brock Lesnar conquered The Undertaker’s streak. While it was evident at one point in time that Roman Reigns was the next torchbearer of the company after John Cena, WWE had a plan in place. 

Reigns and Lesnar faced off in a multi-year feud. At WrestleMania 31, Seth Rollins interfered and stole the title. Furthermore, at WrestleMania 34, Brock Lesnar emerged victorious despite being taken to the limit by Reigns. Finally, At WrestleMania 38, Roman Reigns achieved his status as the conqueror of The Beast.

Heyman said, “When someone beats Brock Lesnar, they are instantly made in the same way that Brock Lesnar is instantly made. The moment the referee’s hand hits three at WrestleMania 30, signifying Brock had conquered the streak, and we had someone in mind to be the next big thing, the company’s next big star. The guy that would pull the wagon, the successor to John Cena, the person to become the one who beat the one in 21-1. We had someone in mind, even at that time. Do you know who that person was? Roman Reigns.”

While Roman Reigns was destined to become the future poster boy of the company, fans took time to accept him. After the streak was conquered, Roman Reigns got his massive push after he won the Royal Rumble match in 2015. However, fans ruthlessly booed Reigns, downplaying his accomplishment.

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At the rate Roman Reigns has headed, it is conspicuous that he is a tough act to follow. Based on Heyman’s statements, Roman Reigns’ glorious career was aforethought. Interestingly, Reigns’ career draws a clear parallel with one of the top stars in WWE’s history.

Roman Reigns drew the same response from the fans as John Cena did

John Cena was one of the most polarizing stars in WWE during his heyday. While he had his fans who cheered for him, others detested him. Right from when Cena’s music hit, he was critically booed by his detractors. And Roman Reigns drew a similar response from the WWE Universe.

As noted, Reigns’ Royal Rumble victory wasn’t well-received by the fans. Every time he made his way to the ring or cut a promo, the boos were deafening. Much like John Cena, Roman Reigns attracted a negative reaction from the WWE Universe but a reaction, nonetheless.

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And despite the harsh treatment and criticism from the fans, both Cena and Reigns rose to become the top stars in WWE during their respective eras. What do you think of the similarities in the careers of Roman Reigns and John Cena? What do you make of Heyman’s claims? Comment below!