Report/Rumor: John Cena Taking Time Off?

[Jack-Hammer]

There's a report at F4WOnline.com that states John Cena will be taking time off from WWE shortly after SummerSlam. According to the report, the reason is because John Cena's elbow injury, the one he showed off not that long ago when he said it was "shaped like a football", is much worse than is being let on by WWE officials. As a result, the decision was made to not have Cena wrestle until SummerSlam. If I'm not mistaken, Cena has been absent from house shows the past couple of weeks. The report goes onto claim that Cena will be having surgery on his elbow shortly after SummerSlam, thus taking more time off in order to heal up so that he'll be ready for WrestleMania season.

If this is all true, then it's highly unlikely John Cena leaves SummerSlam as WWE Champion. Whether it's Orton or Bryan is anyone's guess at this point in time. Again, if this is all accurate and Cena's injury is as bad as the report claims, then John Cena might very well be MIA from WWE for much of, if not all of, the rest of 2013.

With Sheamus out and now, possibly, Cena being gone, there will definitely be some fresh faces in WWE's main event picture for the next little while. I don't know if WWE is in any sort of panic mode with the beginning of the Fall TV season right around the corner but, again if this is all true, then I'd say that WWE will book fan favorites like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan to look very strong in the hopes of cushioning any potential fall in Raw's ratings.

 

[Poop Master Flex]

Intriguing. I'm not taking this to heart, WWE working the audience in this manner has become more and more frequent but if its true then its a good thing.

Usually I wouldn't say that about Cena or anyone with an injury for that matter and I don't mean that Cena having an injury is good but if Bryan does in fact walk away from Summerslam as champ then I think its a good idea for Cena not to be on television for a while. Cena away from the spotlight would put more of it on Bryan and putting him at the forefront of the company as champ will be a true test for Bryan to find out whether or not he has the ability to draw on his own. If he can hold his own while Cena is gone then its great because WWE doesn't have to worry about someone carrying the ball when Cena is injured or when he's done being the top guy, whenever that may be.

I'm not naive to think Bryan is taking Cena's spot but I'm a firm believer that the top guy has to disappear for a bit if you are giving someone a trial run or a legit run at being top dog. If Bryan wins and Cena puts him over strong then I think its best for Cena to step away from the spotlight, at least for a little while to really hit home that Bryan is the man, even if its for a small period of time while Cena heals.

I don't think Orton's winning just for the sake everyone is expecting it. Sandow or Orton is cashing it soon, that much is a given but I don't see it happening at Summerslam. These days its WWE's way to do things for the sake of swerving the fans.

I also question this big time. Cena could get cut in half and be fine in 2 months.

 

[Airehk]

Orton or Bryan will be the new champion. This will allow Cena to take time off as promised then make a comeback so everyone will love him again, just like his Royal Rumble win.

Please WWE, don't let Cena dethrone Austin for most Royal Rumble wins.

 

[Fire Marshall Bill]

I just hope this means they're going to go with Bryan vs. VKM, a la Orton. With Cena gone, DB will be in perfect position to be the face of the fight against VKM's struggle to maintain his power over the company. Obviously HHH will be involved as well, but if they let Orton and Bryan be the actual wrestlers involved (meaning keeping HHH out of the ring) it will put DB over big time.

I maintain, that while predicted by many around here, if Bryan won the match, Cena shakes his hand and then Orton comes out it would be a great way to begin the feud. Shield comes out, as recruited by VKM to "take out" Cena (which could also be used to write him off, especially after selling the arm to DB), and Orton successfully cashes in on Bryan. Orton still needs to inflict a good amount of the damage on DB if they're trying to use this as a heel turn.

With no timetable on Cena's absence, I would say what could be best is if they wait to bring him back until just after RR. That way the WWE Title and WHC feuds will have already laid their ground work, and Cena could be free to take on The Undertaker at WM30.

 

[The Butcher]

I thought about making a thread about this last night but instead just commented about it in the match thread, because I didn't want to jinx it (kidding). Now that there's a thread, though, my two cents are that until I see Raw and John Cena isn't there, I'm just going to assume he'll be there. Every single time a Cena injury has been reported over the last five years, the most that ever came of it was a sling or an ankle wrap. Sure, the elbow looked deformed last week, but the swelling is already down. I don't wish injury on the guy, but he needs time off and the fans need time off from him.

Here's the elbow for those who haven't looked/didn't notice:

 

[Cena's Little Helper]

There's a report at F4WOnline.com that states John Cena will be taking time off from WWE shortly after SummerSlam. According to the report, the reason is because John Cena's elbow injury, the one he showed off not that long ago when he said it was "shaped like a football", is much worse than is being let on by WWE officials. As a result, the decision was made to not have Cena wrestle until SummerSlam. If I'm not mistaken, Cena has been absent from house shows the past couple of weeks. The report goes onto claim that Cena will be having surgery on his elbow shortly after SummerSlam, thus taking more time off in order to heal up so that he'll be ready for WrestleMania season.

If this is all true, then it's highly unlikely John Cena leaves SummerSlam as WWE Champion. Whether it's Orton or Bryan is anyone's guess at this point in time. Again, if this is all accurate and Cena's injury is as bad as the report claims, then John Cena might very well be MIA from WWE for much of, if not all of, the rest of 2013.

With Sheamus out and now, possibly, Cena being gone, there will definitely be some fresh faces in WWE's main event picture for the next little while. I don't know if WWE is in any sort of panic mode with the beginning of the Fall TV season right around the corner but, again if this is all true, then I'd say that WWE will book fan favorites like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan to look very strong in the hopes of cushioning any potential fall in Raw's ratings.

This is the perfect time for Cena to take off precisely because it is the fall. NFL>>>>>>>>>>WWE, and this will never not be the case. Since it's the time when the playoff picture is pretty much set and fan interest tapers off due to their teams being mathematically eliminated, December is the perfect time for Cena to come back.

 

[Skyeborne]

Just like with Sheamus though, it is a lot better for him to take some time off. If he goes away for a few months maybe when he comes back he can feel fresh and have it not feel like the same old stuff week in and week out.

I hope he recovers well though, his elbow did look pretty bad the other week. At the same time though he is getting up there in age, who knows when he will decide to retire, or a doctor tells him its time to hang it up. ❣

 

[LoudClearVoice]

If this is true, then they have to sell Cena being "injured" at Summer Slam. Bryan is not dirty so I can't see them trying to sell Bryan as the guy who injures him. It's going to be either Orton or Vince McMahon that injures Cena so that he's out for awhile and there's no rematch at the next PPV.

 

[Mr. Book This Section]

If this is the fact, expect Daniel Bryan to win the match locking the No Lock in on the injured arm and then Orton cashing in. If this happens, Bryan can make a claim to being the Number 1 contender and then Orton-Bryan can feud.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

It's not a shock, the simple fact is WWE rotates guys out regularly and it's clearly Cena's turn. Kane, Henry and Show have all rotated in and out for 5 years and Punk had his much publicised time out, did you really think Cena wouldn't get/want the same if Punk got his way?

Cena isn't as young as he was, he is very close to if not 40 and has that neck problem ongoing. Giving him time off now guarantees him for the Road to Wrestlemania 30, which they absolutely must have him for. I'd be shocked if he isn't part time when he does return to ensure he is at that show for whatever match (probably Taker) they want him for.

In Bryan they have a guy the fans are choosing as their new hero, and who deserves his chance. In Orton they have a heel who can feud with him, dog his every turn and despite his issues backstage can still do business at a top level. They have newer talents ready to take their chance and even some legends who can come back for a time. Cena isn't essential right now, indeed he's not even necessary at the moment so use the time to get him in top shape, rested and to prepare for the inevitable time when he is not the top guy all the time... everyone has to face it and Cena may as well start now spending some of his Mania payoff...

 

[The Eighties]

Cena's a cyborg, he'll be back by October!

If not then Orton wins the title and sides with Vince and some other heels, with them being chased by Bryan and Punk seems the most likely route to go. the interesting thing will be how they write Cena off TV as if he's out as long as the rumour suggests then it's most likely whoever puts him out will be his Mania opponent.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

If Orton is going to cash in and win the belt at SS, then I think what they need to do is have DB beat Cena, despite interference from Vince McMahon and others. Then as DB is celebrating, they can have Orton strike and hit the RKO. Then Orton wins the belt and have Cena come back into the ring and have Orton RKO him and then hit the punt on him. Boom. There's your story for Cena being gone.

 

[MattRhys20]

This is just what everybody needs. The main reason the IWC has so much hate for Cena is because he is ALWAYS the top guy in WWE and he is stunting the progress of others. Say he takes 5 months out (I've had elbow surgery before when I played soccer, and I took 4, but seeing as he uses his arm a lot more, he may need more time to be 100% ready), and gives Bryan, Sandow, Orton, Rhodes, Ziggler etc the main event spot on RAW, he will be able to come back ala Royal Rumble 2008 and will be loved again.

Here's an interesting twist though. When he comes back PUT HIM ON SMACKDOWN!!! We all know Smackdown is suffering for ratings, why not put the #1 guy to at least address the balance a bit

 

[Blade]

This might just be a blessing in disguise for WWE and for the viewers. With Sheamus and Cena both out, WWE doesn't have it's biggest star as well as a second reliable main eventer. It reminds me of 2002 when Austin and The Rock left. WWE ended up making stars out of guys like Cena, Orton, Batista and Lesnar to replace the top stars that had left.

So if WWE goes 6 months or so without Cena on Raw or Sheamus on SD, we'll certainly see some new meat in the world title pictures. There's enough upper midcard talent that could get a push into the title scene, the likes of Wyatt, Ambrose, Axel and Ziggler who might get some title shots over current months, and who knows, maybe a new star will be born. Admittedly, once Cena comes back, he'll likely go right into the title picture to face Punk or Bryan or Orton, so the push of any upper midcarders will be temporary, unless someone really catches fire like Bryan has.

As for Cena, I'm disappointed he'll be out for a while, if it's true. With that said, I could do with a break from him for a little while so I can have a chance to miss him. A break like the one he had to take in 2007 would be good for all involved in my opinion. But I do wish him well.

 

[Ziirox]

Who's to say Cena actually does lose at SummerSlam?

My money is on Cena retaining on the second biggest stage of the year. However, the next night on Raw might be the place to do it. Most of the highly memorable cash ins have been on TV. I say they go the angle of Orton punting Cena in the head, writing Cena off TV and turning Orton in the process. This re-ignites the Orton vs Bryan feud as well being that Vince will ultimately play a hand in getting the title off of Cena. Long term, this associates Bryan with Cena as a top babyface vs Orton and his new alliance with Vince. I won't go as far as to say this sets up the return of the Corporation with Orton as it's champion. Let's not rehash TOO many old angles.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Interesting.

I think the writing is on the wall for Cena to lose the WWE Championship. The rise of Daniel Bryan, Orton raising his MITB briefcase last night on Raw, Vince McMahon sticking his nose in the WWE Championship picture, his beef with Triple H, Triple H being inserted into the match as a special guest ref. WWE is setting up some big shocker at the end of the match on Sunday, and either way, I'm leaning towards something involving Cena losing the title.

IF the Orton heel turn is going to happen on Sunday, I could see a scenario where Orton comes down to cash in on a beaten and worn out Cena after the match. Punts him in the head, wins the WWE Championship, and because of the punt, Cena will be on the shelf for a number of months. Of course, if Orton punts Cena, I'm sure the crowd will cheer, but it's a plausible scenario for writing Cena off of TV until he heals up.

As far as the injury itself goes, it's a tough break for Cena, but it's better if WWE saved him for Wrestlemania season. John Cena has had countless great matches as WWE Champion in the past, and he's just about done all he can do as WWE Champion now, so taking a break so he can rest up his body and recover for Wrestlemania makes a lot more sense.

And who knows, WWE could bring Cena back at the Rumble as a surprise entrant. If that happens, I'm sure he'll receive a monster reaction reminiscent of his return at the Rumble in 2008.

 

[The IWC Butcher]

Here is one angle we have not considered... Me and a buddy are looking at this set up and it has EXACTLY the build up of Austin's heel turn.... This set up build has every one thinking Orton is turning & McMahon is out to get Bryan...what if McMahon sends out the SHIELD causing chaos, Triple H is trying to maintain order...and Bryan bashes Cena with a sledgehammer or chair or whatever injuring his arm and forcing Triple H to make the 3 count. Bryan becomes Vince'sCorporate Guy, shaves the beard, wears a suit, really embraces the corporate culture...Cena is off TV... Triple H against Vince...Orton threatening to cash in on heel Bryan... Punk can be added to the mix later on... Heel 101 you turn heel at the pinnacle of your popularity...

 

[Headman]

Here is one angle we have not considered... Me and a buddy are looking at this set up and it has EXACTLY the build up of Austin's heel turn.... This set up build has every one thinking Orton is turning & McMahon is out to get Bryan...what if McMahon sends out the SHIELD causing chaos, Triple H is trying to maintain order...and Bryan bashes Cena with a sledgehammer or chair or whatever injuring his arm and forcing Triple H to make the 3 count. Bryan becomes Vince'sCorporate Guy, shaves the beard, wears a suit, really embraces the corporate culture...Cena is off TV... Triple H against Vince...Orton threatening to cash in on heel Bryan... Punk can be added to the mix later on... Heel 101 you turn heel at the pinnacle of your popularity...

Actually I was thinking the same thing. I think there's a good possibility that DB will be the one who turns heel here. Honestly it would be the most unpredictable outcome but that group of people always complaining about how predictable the WWE is... they would hate it. To them being unpredictable is only a good thing if it somehow negatively effects John Cena.

 

[The Gribbler]

Actually I was thinking the same thing. I think there's a good possibility that DB will be the one who turns heel here. Honestly it would be the most unpredictable outcome but that group of people always complaining about how predictable the WWE is... they would hate it. To them being unpredictable is only a good thing if it somehow negatively effects John Cena.

This would be a good twist, and I don't think the wider audience would really see it coming. But I don't think it would be the best outcome for the WWE as a whole. At the moment there is a lack of really hot faces. If Cena is indeed out, so is Sheamus, Punk needs a little time out of the main event to bolster the upper midcard, and the next person in line (well ahead of Sheamus even is he was healthy) is Daniel Bryan.

He is so over with the crowd it defies explination, and to take away a babyface that over... would be a huge risk, and I don't think the WWE have a face that could really benefit from it right now.

So, good twist, not the safest plan. Just because it is surprising, doesn't make it good for business.

Just My Opinion

 

[Headman]

This would be a good twist, and I don't think the wider audience would really see it coming. But I don't think it would be the best outcome for the WWE as a whole. At the moment there is a lack of really hot faces. If Cena is indeed out, so is Sheamus, Punk needs a little time out of the main event to bolster the upper midcard, and the next person in line (well ahead of Sheamus even is he was healthy) is Daniel Bryan.

He is so over with the crowd it defies explination, and to take away a babyface that over... would be a huge risk, and I don't think the WWE have a face that could really benefit from it right now.

So, good twist, not the safest plan. Just because it is surprising, doesn't make it good for business.

Just My Opinion

Unless CM Punk plans on turning heel any time soon I would expect the possibility of a face Punk vs Heel Bryan to be appealing to the IWC. Punk's calender is pretty much wide open once he gets past Brock.

Of course I wouldn't bet the house on DB turning heel. But it would be a nice twist considering everyone thinks they've got the outcome to Summer Slam's main event figured out.

 

[The Gribbler]

Unless CM Punk plans on turning heel any time soon I would expect the possibility of a face Punk vs Heel Bryan to be appealing to the IWC. Punk's calender is pretty much wide open once he gets past Brock.

Of course I wouldn't bet the house on DB turning heel. But it would be a nice twist considering everyone thinks they've got the outcome to Summer Slam's main event figured out.

I do agree that a Punk Bryan feud would be great, but I think that would leave Punk pretty much alone atop the ladder of faces. I really can't think of anyone now that is a worthwhile second.

I'm not saying that Dbry would make a bad heel, or that the swerve wouldn't be pretty good. I just think his run as a super-over face needs to go on for a while longer.

 

[H33LTurn]

Cena needs some time off and this is the perfect way for him to sell the arm injury. I'm actually glad there are some new faces in the title picture with Cena and Sheamus, arguably the most overexposed of their respective title divisions, going away. However, I'm not so sure about having Orton and DBry carry the main event spot. CM Punk is busy with the Brock Lesnar angle and it will probably be some time before we see Punk vs Bryan for the title. Hopefully WWE does a great job booking all the respective parties following Sunday's ppv. Bryan can definitely be seen as a strong champion if they put in the effort. Of course nothing is written in stone, and we've seen in the past that Cena's idea of "time off" is usually in front of the camera, just not wrestling in the ring, but hopefully this will bring some fresh blood to the title picture.

 

[MCMG]

Hopefully it isn't a serious injury and if he is to take time of it is only one or two months which can actually aid storylines. To be honest, I think they could get through a month without Cena if done correctly. If Orton is to cash in at Summerslam or the night after then him and Bryan could feud until Cena is fit to come back. Even then there are still the options of Cody Rhodes, CM Punk and Rob Van Dam.

Personally, I would have Orton Punt Kick Cena writing him of TV and ensuring Orton gains heat from all the right demographics. Cashing in his briefcase on Bryan should compensate for the extra love garnered from some after taking out Cena. The other option would be The Shield or the Wyatt's but I'm not sure what the pay-off would be, especially with the Road to Wrestlemania being so close. I suppose a dream scenario would be The Undertaker taking him out of action and that building to a match at WM30.

 

[BeWater]

Cena deserves the time off, and he needs to take it. Dude has been busting his ass consistently for countless years and it's time he takes a REAL break to recharge his batteries. Furthermore, thank goodness for Daniel Bryan because fans are into Daniel Bryan enough that the WWE can afford to have Cena step away for a bit. If Orton turns tomorrow night the tale of Bryan's revenge is gonna be an adequate source of Cena-free entertainment for a good few months.

 

[TWJC: The Beginning]

This is just what everybody needs. The main reason the IWC has so much hate for Cena is because he is ALWAYS the top guy in WWE and he is stunting the progress of others. Say he takes 5 months out (I've had elbow surgery before when I played soccer, and I took 4, but seeing as he uses his arm a lot more, he may need more time to be 100% ready), and gives Bryan, Sandow, Orton, Rhodes, Ziggler etc the main event spot on RAW, he will be able to come back ala Royal Rumble 2008 and will be loved again.

Here's an interesting twist though. When he comes back PUT HIM ON SMACKDOWN!!! We all know Smackdown is suffering for ratings, why not put the #1 guy to at least address the balance a bit

They don't want balance. It's a business. Smackdown is on a less prominent network and is less known. Smackdown ratings really aren't suffering, it's by far the most watched show on that network. Don't confuse low compared to raw with low ratings.

Cena won't go to SD, that's ridiculous because that's less money. Also, whoever said "Cena is almost, if not 40"....he's 36. He's been on top a lot longer and started a lot younger than other guys. WWE was smart. Austin was only on top really for about 5 years before wear and tear caught up. This was because Austin didn't get as big as soon.

If Cena is or isn't injured I don't now. Cena is always supposedly injured. The guy sacrifices more than anyone I can think of. He's probably going to suffer a career ending injury in the ring because of how much he sacrifices his body.

Cena can take time off. Daniel Bryan is a good enough draw and is super over. I'd actually hold off on injuring Cena until the Raw after. I'd have Cena's arm get injured in the match vs DB, but he somehow beats DB in a screwy way. On Raw Orton cashes in. Then DB feuds with Orton.

This sets up a revenge feud with Orton and DB vs Cena at Mania, which is what I personally want and is selfish but I don't care lol.