“GOAT Effect”: Fans Honour John Cena for Helping WWE in Creating a Record That Puts Them Over AEW

The last WWE SmackDown episode of 2022 won big in terms of viewership numbers, thanks to John Cena. The pro-wrestler-turned-actor used his clout to catapult viewership to over 2.8 million when the quarter hour playing his segment.

According to Wrestle Ops, 2,832,000 viewers tuned in to watch the match between the tag team of John Cena-Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns–Sami Zayn. This was the highest quarter-hour for any pro wrestling show, including the rival All Elite Wrestling (AEW), in 2022.

Meanwhile, fans feted The Cenation Leader for drawing in the numbers.

While one fan called him the “Real needle mover”, another tweeted, “GOAT Cena effect”.

A netizen compared him with the legendary Hulk Hogan.

However, some fans expressed their doubts about the 16x World Champion’s ability.

A netizen said a prime John Cena would average nearly double the recent numbers.

While John Cena has driven numbers for the pro wrestling giant in the past, one has to keep in mind that the Trainwreck star has wrestled sporadically of late. Like fellow wrestlers The Rock and Batista, Cena has made a smooth career transition to Hollywood.

Who is fighting John Cena at WrestleMania 39?

The pro wrestling calendar is incomplete without the WrestleMania. The extravaganza has accounted for some of the most exciting wrestling moments, be it The Hulkster slamming Andre the Giant or Brock Lesnar ending The Undertaker’s undefeated streak.

Naturally, the WWE universe waits for John Cena’s match at the grandest stage. The million dollar guess, however, is The Cenation Leader’s opponent at WrestleMania 39.

Earlier this week, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful tweeted that before Vince McMahon’s retirement, The Boss had planned a John Cena vs Cody Rhodes match at the WrestleMania.

Another rumored opponent is Austin Theory. The 2x United States Champion had confronted Cena on the June 27th episode of Raw in 2022. Before trying to click a selfie with the legend, Theory criticised Cena and drew comparisons between their respective careers.

At Survivor Series 2022, Theory, who is the current winner of the 2022 Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, said he’s better than the Hollywood star.

Read More: “Maybe We Need Vince Back”: Fans Glorify Vince McMahon for His Pre-Retirement John Cena Plans

Before you get your hopes too high, there are reports that have stated John Cena might not appear at WrestleMania 39. According to the Wrestling Observer, John Cena’s filming commitments are likely to clash with the wrestling mega event buildup. The 45-year-old will be in Australia filming ‘Ricky Stanicky’, a comedy film.

Cena is likely to film till March and WrestleMania 39 will take place on April 1st and 2nd. He is unlikely to practice for the match due to his busy filming schedule and therefore, might end up canceling the event at SoFi Stadium. 

Cena thanks fans for their support

The 16x World Champion got emotional while thanking the fans after SmackDown went off air on December 30th. Cena, who appeared in a match after over 475 days, couldn’t thank the fans enough.

“I want to thank those I share the wing with for helping me make magic every night,” he said after his match against Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. “None of this exists without you. Thank you for a wonderful 20 year run,” the Peacemaker star added.

Starting with his Prototype gimmick back in 2000, Cena has been through the high and lows while taking the audience along for the last two decades. He is among the handful of pro wrestlers who have managed to sustain the popularity for such a prolonged period. He proved it again with the latest viewership numbers.

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What do you think the WrestleMania would be like without John Cena? Let us know in the comments.