WWE Rumors: John Cena’s ‘Royal Rumble’ Replacement Set For Huge Push
John Cena’s injury is one that has truly shaken up things in WWE yet again, and it has not only altered the Royal Rumble, but WrestleMania 32, as well. Now that Cena is out, the original plans for him at the Rumble have been revealed, and it also looks as if WWE will still be going forward with that plan, but with a replacement. The thing is, you won’t believe who is taking his spot.
At Hell In A Cell near the end of October, Alberto Del Rio returned to WWE and ended up taking the United States Championship away from Cena. From that time, Cena disappeared from WWE television for two months and then returned at the end of December and immediately picked back up on his feud with Del Rio.
Unfortunately, Cena has a shoulder injury that is going to keep him out of action for months, and he won’t be able to take on the former world champion. According to Wrestling Observer Radio, the original plans called for Cena to take on Del Rio at the Royal Rumble for the U.S. Title, but that can’t happen now.
On the USA debut of SmackDown this past Thursday, Cena came out to kick off the show on the new network and he was interrupted by Alberto Del Rio. It was then that Cena introduced Kalisto to be Del Rio’s opponent that night, and it didn’t go quite as the champ expected.
As recapped by WWE.com, Kalisto got the “upset” victory over Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match, while Cena stood at ringside.
That loss by Alberto Del Rio won’t soon be forgotten, and now a title match is being teased for Monday Night RAW this week. It’s not known if that match will take place tonight or if WWE is planning on waiting, but they are building to it.
“Following Kalisto’s non-title win over Del Rio — perhaps the biggest accomplishment in his career thus far — is the masked marvel in line for a U.S. Title opportunity?”
The thing is, Kalisto is now totally on his own. His partner, Sin Cara, is out due to a shoulder injury, and the same can be said for John Cena. The tiny member of the Lucha Dragons has proven that he can defeat Alberto Del Rio once, but can he do it again?
One other thing that is concerning for Kalisto is that Del Rio has the backing of at least three others in the League of Nations — Sheamus, Rusev, and King Barrett. Should things get out of hand, Kalisto is severely outnumbered.
It is interesting that Kalisto’s big chance is coming just weeks after rumors were flying around that he wouldn’t get pushed by WWE due to his size. Sure, he may end up with a Tag Title run with Sin Cara, but no-one thought a singles title shot was coming — at least, not so soon.
Now, Kalisto has the chance to win one of the most respected titles in wrestling history.
It’s not known what will happen on Monday Night RAW this evening, but it’s likely that the situation with Kalisto and Alberto Del Rio will be advanced. The title match may be held over until Royal Rumble, but WWE picked an unexpected replacement once John Cena went out with an injury and fans are all for it.
[Image via WWE]
