5 Possible Opponents for John Cena as He Is Reportedly Confirmed to Have His 1st WWE Match After 5 Months

Arguably one of the greatest names in pro wrestling, WWE legend John Cena recently confirmed his return to WWE, after his last Money in The Bank appearance in London in 2023. Cena announced his return for WWE Superstar Spectacle in India, and prior to that on the September 1st episode of WWE SmackDown.

Cena’s return to the promotion is one of the most anticipated moments, and fans are now eagerly looking forward to The Leader of Cenation having a match. John Cena’s last rivalry came against Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39, which Cena unfortunately lost. However, here are five possible opponents, John Cena could face upon his return.

1. John Cena versus Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship

Despite his long and celebrated career in WWE, John Cena is yet to win one championship. Having won and achieved every other title in the promotion, John Cena never laid his hands on the WWE Intercontinental title.

One of the most respected championships in the promotion, Cena could create a record by winning this title belt. Current champion, Gunther is currently one of the most dominating champions on the roster alongside Roman Reigns and is racing towards Honky Tonk’s man longest title-reign record for the Intercontinental Championship.

Recently, the former 16-time World Champion Cena took to his Instagram profile to upload an image of Gunther. This led the fans to speculate if Cena is teasing a rivalry towards The Ring General and if possibly the two wrestling veterans might collide inside the squared circle.

2. John Cena versus Grayson Waller

Money in The Bank 2023 saw John Cena return to the promotion after a gap of several months. As soon as Cena’s music hit the 02 arena London, the crowd went crazy. Cena would then hint at a WrestleMania in London, while Grayson Waller would make his entrance.

Waller would further hint at a ‘Mania in the country down under, Australia. This back-and-forth banter would lead to Waller dropping down Cena with a shot to the back. However, the segment ended with Cena standing tall after delivering an AA to Waller.

Cena and Grayson Waller have unfinished business between them, and Cena’s return on SmackDown could possibly prompt another segment from Waller, which could possibly lead to the two of them having a match on SmackDown or the Superstar Spectacle.

Both Cena and Waller are extremely talented, and their match could give off a typical heel-face match vibe.

3. John Cena versus Austin Theory to finish what Cena failed to achieve at WrestleMania 39

WrestleMania 39 saw Cena fail to defeat Austin Theory. The former United States Champion would keep Cena down for a three count, and retain his United States Championship.

With the 46-year-old Cena returning to WWE next week, fans could expect him to enter into a feud with Theory to give him a taste of his own medicine. However, this feud is unlikely to happen since Theory is already in an active program with Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old Theory taking on Cena on SmackDown in a rematch could do wonders for the former. Theory has been losing momentum ever since his feud with Cena at ‘Mania, and now needs a strong showing to build that up again.

Despite winning against Cena at ‘Mania 39, Theory failed to find himself in any meaningful feud, before losing the title to Rey Mysterio. And, now again a strong feud with Cena, and possibly a win against him could lead to his revival.

4. John Cena vs LA Knight – Yeah!

LA Knight is currently one of the most over superstars in WWE. Although a heel a few months ago, the change in crowd reaction to Knight slowly saw him transform into a babyface character. Knight is currently enjoying the run of his life.

In an ongoing feud with The Miz, fans do not expect WWE to suddenly change plans and pitch him against Cena. One possible matchup could be, Cena and Knight facing the team of The Miz and Grayson Waller. However, the tag team with Cena won’t be able to do what a singles feud or match against him could do for Knight.

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If LA Knight would have still remained a heel, Cena’s return could have possibly led to a match between the two. In spite of being extremely over with the fans, a push and win against Cena could have been the ultimate push for LA Knight.

5. Cody Rhodes wants to take on John Cena, if the latter is willing to go one-on-one

The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes is currently in a feud against Finn Balor, and The Judgment Day. However, he recently revealed his wish of facing John Cena. Rhodes claimed that he was willing to face Cena if the latter is ready for one more match.

Cody Rhodes is one of the biggest babyfaces in the company right now and is looking for momentum before possibly dethroning Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins from the top. A challenge, and a win against Cena, could make Rhodes’ rise to the top more believable.

Cena is the epitome of success, and Rhodes would want to topple that before he marches on finishing his story.

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Out of these five opponents, whom do you guys think John Cena will engage in a feud with? Let us know in the comments.