John Cena’s Initial Survivor Series Wargames Plans Revealed

After losing a critical match against The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa, at Crown Jewel, John Cena took a short break from his WWE schedule. The speculation was for him to return at Survivor Series, as it is one of the top PLEs for WWE, but with recent developments, it seems a distant reality.

WWE recently announced that the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes will lead the team of baby faces against the heel stable The Judgment Day. It also confirms that John Cena won’t be a part of the WarGames match, but was there ever a plan by WWE to include Cena at Survivor Series?

Cody Rhodes is John Cena’s backup for Survivor Series

After serving WWE for over 16 years and across two eras, John Cena has left WWE for a new career opportunity. But he returned to WWE in September as Hollywood went on to strike. But Cena is not the face anymore, he is not the poster boy anymore.

Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer reported, “Cena was discussed to be part of WarGames pre Crown Jewel. All that changed. Cody takes lead they have full faith in the selected group. Specially after selling out Chitown.”

As per Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online, Cena was expected to be a part of the Survivor Series WarGames match before Crown Jewel happened on November 4th. But, Cena had to leave for Hollywood again for obvious reasons. As a result, WWE showed trust in Cody Rhodes to lead the team of baby faces against The Judgment Day in Cena’s absence. 

The new poster boy for WarGames is also one of the top faces in the company now. After returning to his home in 2021, Cody Rhodes has taken the mantle on his shoulder to lead the company. After many memorable performances starting from his surprise WrestleMania entry, he has gained the trust of WWE management.

Hence, he has been bestowed upon the opportunity to lead a team of top superstars at Survivor Series, as pointed out Dave Meltzer as well.