WWE News: John Cena To Win Championship Gold Immediately Upon His Return?
From the archive: published May 20, 2016, 10 years ago. Details may have changed since.
John Cena has stolen more headlines for someone who’s only made two WWE appearances in 2016. First, Cena took a hiatus to film the FOX reality series, American Grit, but then a shoulder injury kept him out indefinitely. He initially defied odds by making a surprise run-in to aid The Rock at WrestleMania, then defied more by declaring he was ready to return in five months when the prognostication called for closer to nine.
But as detailed over the last week here on the Inquisitr, John Cena’s workload didn’t just begin and end with the WWE. The face of the company made sure his face was planted on as many platforms as possible. Hosting duties with the Today Show and Live! With Kelly & Michael, promotion obligations for his movie and television roles and a special appearance at ESPN’s recent Invictus Games. All that helped John Cena land a huge gig hosting the ESPY Awards in July, which should generate some much-needed crossover appeal.
Now, it’s only a matter of days before Cena returns to his day job. Last month he announced, via Twitter, and the WWE, his return to Monday Night RAW on Memorial Day, May 30. It’s no coincidence that the two determined that date to help with floundering ratings on a traditionally poorly-rated holiday show.
It appears the way to insert Cena back in the title/main event picture will be to have him win back the United States Championship he brought back to prominence in 2015. There’s even been discussions of him winning the belt his first night back, to coincide with Memorial Day. Cena’s patriotism has been well-documented and there might not be a better feel-good moment than John winning that title on that day. So based on what DNW is hearing, it’s more likely that Cena would beat Rusev for the championship, rather than current champion, Kalisto.
Recycling the United States Championship Open Challenge would be best for business, as the weekly Cena segment was arguably the most consistently-entertaining aspect of RAW during its time. But it seems also like the best way for the creative team to catapult him back into the main event picture. Cena could also jump back in simply by returning, but his presence will help, and will also be the kickoff to a slew of big-named stars to return after him.
Another John Cena push may be received negatively, but it’s coming due to poor ratings and lack of roster depth. The latter of which will change considerably in the next month, and may allow WWE to slide Cena back while the new and returning talents take over the top spots. Either way, the champ may be here again very soon
