So who should John Cena feud with on the Road to WrestleMania?

[The 1-2-3 Killam]

There was a news story this weekend that apparently, one of the top feuds WWE was considering for this year's Road to WrestleMania is John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt. At first a few reports said it would be the main event as "John Cena is the face of the WWE until he's not", while later reports said it probably wouldn't be. Now we're not even sure if that's the current plan. So who knows?

Point is, since the report came out, all I've heard is "this idea is terrible!" and "God this feud is going to be so stupid" and "I can't believe John Cena is just going to bury the Wyatt Family."

I'm not sure why, but a lot of people - it seems the majority of people - have this idea that a Wyatt-Cena WrestleMania match is going to be really shitty. Cena is a great promo guy. Wyatt is a great promo guy. Cena has carried much worse to great matches in the past. So what's the problem here?

Other past reports, and Mark Madden on the PWTorch Livecast today, said that John Cena really wants to face Hulk Hogan at Mania. And when that won't happen, he really wants some sort of tag match to happen. More people frustrated by that idea as 1) Hogan can't wrestle, and 2) nobody wants to see John Cena go over Hogan. Plus there's the fact that Hogan can't be trusted to do the right thing (remember he turned himself in the Mania match against Rock), and that WWE really doesn't want to see Cena get turned on at WrestleMania, much less to a guy who won't benefit in the least bit from it.

So here's my question: who should John Cena feud with going into WrestleMania? Because every match I've heard pitched, people have shut down and shat all over. So give me ONE good program Cena could have that you guys would actually enjoy. I'm pretty sure people are just going to bitch about anything Cena is involved in at this point. Prove me wrong.

Popular answers:

RANDY ORTON - We've seen the match 100 times, and they're going to face off at the Royal Rumble. What more can they really do?

BRAY WYATT - Wyatt just isn't in that category of "main event players" yet and this feud would ultimately flop. Or Cena would "bury" Wyatt and kill his momentum. You know, like Sheamus "buried" Daniel bryan's momentum in 2011.

THE UNDERTAKER - Oh god, please don't let John Cena be the guy to beat the Undertaker's streak.

CM PUNK - Again, we've seen this 100 times. Plus, who is going to be the babyface and the heel? Please don't turn CM PUnk again and feed him to JOhn Cena!

TRIPLE H - Oh great, WRestleMania is once again all about John Cena and Triple H. How many times have these guys faced off at WrestleMania? Feels like 12. (btw, the answer is twice, and one was a triple threat)

HULK HOGAN - Oh god no, kill it with fire!!

So I would really be interested in hearing from somebody, what is a good John Cena WrestleMania feud that you would actually enjoy seeing? Because it seems like everyone wants WWE to push younger, fresh talent, but they don't want a Cena-Wyatt match. And everyone wanted Randy Orton to be the top heel again, but yet they're already bored of him, and don't want Cena-Orton for another go-around. So please, give me something...

 

[George Steele's Barber]

The money and entertainment value is in Lesnar. With The Rock AWOL, Hogan a cripple, HBK honoring his "word", and SCSA too busy doing internet interviews, WM30 needs a strong draw and the current roster only has one Cena option left that can still produce logically and financially. Brock Lesnar.

Yes, they battled two years ago but that match is more of a story than an ending. Lesnar brutalized Cena. Cena got in a punch with a chain basically to get the win. Lesnar wants the belt, Lesnar has something to prove to Cena. Cena can say he beat Lesnar until he is blue in the face but it doesn't change the fact that it was two years ago and he needed a chain (not very John Cena-like). The icing on the cake are the exchanges between Cena and Heyman.

Lesnar didn't draw so well at SummerSlam but he's still a name and a figure. There's still a story to tell between him and Cena. Bryan, Punk, HHH and Orton have exhausted that. Wyatt is not there and may never get there. UT and Hogan are way too past their prime to be taken serious. It makes no sense for Cena to be beating or losing to cripples. He'd have to go heel first and that doesn't seem likely to happen while there are still sick kids to visit and soldiers that need honoring with speeches.

My New Year's plans got screwed because of this weather. Happy New Year Mike! Now go post this as an article on the main site. You don't have to pay me.

 

[The 1-2-3 Killam]

Happy New Year Mike!

Thanks man! Happy New Year to you too! My holiday plans got ruined by...living 2000 miles away from family, and all my friends going back to Chicago for Christmas. So I bought pizza and I'm watching the first season of Futurama.

I don't think WWE runs a Lesnar-Cena program at Mania. I'm not saying you're wrong, because I agree it's probably the only big money match out there right now, but I see them trying to do something "new". Meltzer is pretty sure it's going to be Lesnar-Taker, playing off the words they exchanged the night Brock dropped the UFC title. Personally, while I think the build to that would be great, and Lesnar is probably the only guy I could actually see being a storyline "threat" to the streak, I'm more worried about the Deadman's body and how brutal Lesnar matches are. At his age, with the problems he's had, taking that match could be his last. Which...I suppose is fine.

I don't think Cena needs to be the high profile draw this year. Mania 23 was the second biggest draw in WWE PPV history, because of the way they marketed. Donald Trump, while pretty darn terrible, did a ridiculous amount of money. Never underestimate the power of a celebrity draw. Plus, fans have wanted Cena out of the main event picture for years. With Batista back, and Lesnar working Mania, they don't really need him to be there right now. Plus they built Bryan up in 2013, and Punk has been on that level since 2011.

What if Daniel Bryan actually does stay with the Wyatt Family, and we get the Cena-Bryan rematch at WrestleMania? I could also see a Cena vs. Wyatt Family handicap match resulting in a Hulk Hogan return to clean house and save the day. Seems like something they would do. Gets Hogan involved, and he really doesn't have to actually do anything, including promote the event.

 

[The Eighties]

My objection to Cena vs Bray has nothing to do with burying or what not, I just think Cena deserves something better at such a huge event, he can feud with the Wyatt's afterwards.

I personally think Taker vs Cena would be big and I'd be pulling for Cena to end the streak, this is wrestling, the purpose of everything is eventually to create a big moment.

Cena vs Hogan would be awful as while Hogan is undoubtedly the biggest draw ever, he's 2 days older than dirt and can barely move.

Cena tagging with Hogan vs Triple H and Vince? Yeah that wouldn't be very good either but it might be entertaining so I wouldn't object. If it wasn't for Flair being banned from doing anything physical they could do Triple H and Naitch vs Cena and Hogan, it would be nice symmetry as Cena is his generations Hogan and Triple H wishes he was his generations Ric Flair.

Cena vs Lesnar would be another "Overcoming the odds" Cenathon but at least the match would likely be a classic.

Cena vs Punk would still be my pick, the best rivalry of the post-attitude era for me, but it's not likely to happen.

So yeah, there's plenty I'd like to see Cena do at Mania, he's not one of the guys I feel may spoil my enjoyment of the show.

 

[thebarber]

After Cena wins the WWE title at Royal Rumble, I see him fighting Lesnar at Elimination Chamber. That will be 4-6 weeks of solid television with the title in the picture.
After EC, I see Cena feuding with whomever wins the royal Rumble, possibly D-Bry leading to a 1-1 match John Cena vs Daniel Bryan at Mania XXX

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Thanks man! Happy New Year to you too! My holiday plans got ruined by...living 2000 miles away from family, and all my friends going back to Chicago for Christmas. So I bought pizza and I'm watching the first season of Futurama.

Well if it makes you feel any better the weather NW of Chicago is not conducive to late night highjinks.

I don't think WWE runs a Lesnar-Cena program at Mania.

I don't know what to think. Too many unknowns at this point (which I am happy with). I am struggling to find a card that breaks a million with the currnet cast of characters. Being stuck with what we have I feel Lesnar/Cena is the best option financially.

I'm not saying you're wrong, because I agree it's probably the only big money match out there right now, but I see them trying to do something "new".

That's just it. There's no "new" for Cena besides Wyatt. I don't think between now and WM they can convince the "casuals" to buy WM with Wyatt replacing The Rock.

Meltzer is pretty sure it's going to be Lesnar-Taker, playing off the words they exchanged the night Brock dropped the UFC title. Personally, while I think the build to that would be great, and Lesnar is probably the only guy I could actually see being a storyline "threat" to the streak, I'm more worried about the Deadman's body and how brutal Lesnar matches are. At his age, with the problems he's had, taking that match could be his last. Which...I suppose is fine.

Don't worry about The UT. Brock Lesnar has no interest in crippling a wrestler, let alone The UT. If that match happens (which I'd be happy to see) they will find a way to make it work.

I don't think Cena needs to be the high profile draw this year. Mania 23 was the second biggest draw in WWE PPV history, because of the way they marketed. Donald Trump, while pretty darn terrible, did a ridiculous amount of money. Never underestimate the power of a celebrity draw. Plus, fans have wanted Cena out of the main event picture for years. With Batista back, and Lesnar working Mania, they don't really need him to be there right now. Plus they built Bryan up in 2013, and Punk has been on that level since 2011.

Punk and Bryan are no where near the "casuals" draw that The Rock and Cena are. I don't know what Batista can bring but I don't think it's much. The celebrity thing is a wild card. I did a post where I said they should throw away half the roster for celebrities as the only way to break the WM buy record.

When it comes to WM 23 I give SCSA, Cena, and HBK more credit than the Donald for the big buyrate. That's right people, HBK did draw.

What if Daniel Bryan actually does stay with the Wyatt Family, and we get the Cena-Bryan rematch at WrestleMania? I could also see a Cena vs. Wyatt Family handicap match resulting in a Hulk Hogan return to clean house and save the day. Seems like something they would do. Gets Hogan involved, and he really doesn't have to actually do anything, including promote the event.

I don't think Cena/Bryan draws. I don't think a possible Hogan appearance draws either.

 

[LODemolition]

The correct answer imo is Taker. This is supposed to be the biggest Mania of all-time. I know they say that every year, but with all the talent they have available this year, it actually has the potential to live up to the hype.

So what bigger match can you actually have than to put the man who's been the face of the company for the majority of the last 10 years against the man who's never lost at Mania? Not to mention they've never had a match (since Cena became relevant anyway), so it would not be a recycled feud like Orton, Lesnar, Batista, etc.

This is the only match I wouldn't mind going on after the WWE Championship. This match is a no-brainer imo. Taker is likely only going to be around for 3 more Manias tops, as he's likely to retire after WM32 in his home state of Texas. I believe his last 3 opponents are going to be out of these 5: Cena, Lesnar, Reigns, Wyatt, and Kane.

There's no guarantee that Taker or Cena will be able to compete at Mania 31 or 32. Injuries happen. So don't put it off. Cena/Taker, WrestleMania 30, make it happen.

 

[Mongoose McQueen]

John Cena vs The Undertaker. Said it before, gonna keep saying it until WWE do it! it's the only the logical option for Cena and The Undertaker, Lesnar would kill The Undertaker judging by what he did to Mark Henry. Thing is, Cena is a guy who's been there, done that with the title picture so that is a little stale. He needs a new challenge and The Undertaker provided that.

 

[J-sin]

It's gotta be Batista doesn't it.... He's obviously gonna screw Cena at the Rumble leading to a feud for WM30... Doubt He'll come back as a face, can not see any more logical feud for a Heel Batista.

Match predictions for WM:
Cena Vs Batista
Bryan Vs Orton
Taker Vs Kane

 

[Reflection]

The reason I'm against the idea is because the Wyatt family have nothing special or extra to gain from a feud or match with John Cena (one which they obviously will lose too). They are already over with the fans, and they can do their kidnapping or other tricks on some other main eventer too. Why not The Shield in a 6-men tag? I'm sure most people would like to see that.
I wouldn't have responded to this thread, but then I noticed you mentioning how many of us were furio.s over Sheamus defeating Bryan in that match, and Bryan ended up gaining more from it than losing, credits to the "Yes!" chants from the fans. However, things like that do not happen everytime or with everyone. I would like to point out how some people were arguing (using the same Daniel Bryan example) that Damien Sandow losing to John Cena would do him more benefit than harm... Well, it didn't. It acted as a full stop for Sandow's momentum.
Is it worth the risk to put the Wyatt Family against Cena- a person infamous for breaking numerous people's momentum over the years (Nexus, anyone?). I say No. A hot property like the Wyatt Family should be kept as far away from John Cena as possible.
Have Cena face The Undertaker. Losing to Taker (in probably his last match) won't do him any harm... However, there are other candidates who could gain more from a match against Taker. But money talks, and Cena vs Taker at WM-XXX equals money.
On a light hearted note, let him go and try to pin or put down Hulk Hogan. Hogan will give him a taste of what a burial feels like, Brother.

 

[kadroan]

I'd like to see him feud with Taker just because he's the last legit threat to Taker's streak but I'm not sure if that'll draw well since they've face off several times in the past.

 

[Paul Revere]

Wrestlemania 30 could (and should) be the biggest ever. It doesn't get much bigger than John Cena Vs. The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. They've only encountered each other a handful times. Cena is one of very few that could be a legitimate threat to the streak. Both of them bring it in big match situations. I wouldn't be upset with Lesnar/Cena (or 'Taker/Lesnar for that matter), but at the 30th Wrestlemania the money is in John Cena going after the streak.

 

[NegativeFeedback]

1. Brock Lesnar

There is no more credible opponent at Mania than Brock Lesnar. Sure, Undertaker is the top guy to face at Mania, but he's mostly the guy you LOSE to at Mania. Cena is above that and that's why they've avoided putting him in that position. Lesnar is the guy Cena can fight and beat. It would be a huge match and fans would eat it up. Even better if it's for the title, but doesn't have to be.

2. Daniel Bryan

Their first outing was great, but can be even better. Cena can say he only lost last time due to his elbow. That will light a fire in Bryan for him to want to beat Cena for real. This is a match the audience will want to see again, and with both Bellas in each corner, the crossover potential with Total Divas is impossible for WWE to ignore.

3. The Undertaker

This will be a huge match, but like I said above, it's a guarantee Cena is going to lose. There's not much going for him going into the match. Still, the hype will be huge and I'm sure WWE must have considered throwing their conventions out the window and booking this match. It will definitely be a seller.

4. Randy Orton

If they cool it with the rematches, they can save the final showdown for Mania. Orton has always wanted to face Cena one-on-one at Mania and I'm sure they will get the match at some point. I think it would be great if they both had the first Last Man Standing match at Mania. Considering they were supposed to have one when Cena got injured, it would be fitting to finally do it 5 years later.

5. CM Punk

Their matches have pretty much all been fantastic. They just have awesome chemistry.. If Punk and Cena ever step in the ring together at Mania, it's guaranteed to be the best Mania match of their careers. If Punk is serious about retiring soon, it's best if Cena retires him at Mania. The match would also be big.


Now, I'm aware all 5 of my top choices are guys Cena has already faced before. If we're purely talking people Cena has never faced off before, then probably Roman Reigns or Bray Wyatt, but it all depends on how WWE books them from now until March. Cena can't face anyone who isn't a big deal.

 

[Marshyishere]

Undertaker. Only if they are going to end the streak though. If not, Daniel Bryan for the WWE title.

I think with Daniel Bryan turning Heel, Cena may come to his aid to try and "fix" him, which could make this match possible and with the outcome of turning Bryan back to a face.

 

[capnwillie]

Not Undertaker. I might be a spoil-sport, but if they never gave the honor to HBK, CM Punk or even Triple H for that matter, they just need to retire the streak when they retire the Undertaker. Say what you will, but the only worker on the roster right now I'd applaud that feat for is Daniel Bryan, because at this time nobody else deserves that sort of rocket ship into the heart of the sun as much as he does. Cena vs. Undertaker is not a match I want to see and Cena doesn't need it.

There is no doubt in my mind that Cena will headline WM30 because he's been the #1 guy in the company for the last decade plus change. Bring Hogan, Stone Cold and Rocky back, but those guys aren't as young as they used to be and main-events are for the guys who can still work the 30-minute-plus match without looking like hot-air balloons. Cena can still do that, it doesn't matter if you hate him or not. He should have the WWE Championship or whatever they are going to call it after the Rumble and be in the main event.

Cena vs. Lesnar would be a great match, but only if Lesnar signs a long(er)-term contract with WWE that includes a bigger schedule. I would not be against Lesnar winning in this scenario. I don't care if you love him or hate him, Brock Lesnar is a brand and he comes with the added value of Paul Heyman. As long as you let Paul hold the mic and Brock do the ass-kicking, all will be well. Giving Brock the mic at Raw was a bad idea (Even Paul was grimacing.) His assault on Mark Henry was awesome though, and that's EXACTLY why he's an asset to the company whether you think he cares about the business or not. His performance in matches is still incredible, hard-hitting and more realistic than anyone in the business right now, period. He can destroy anyone on the roster and people will buy the hell out of it. His name is a brand in and of itself and that brings a boost to the viewership.

Cena vs. The Rock. No. Twice was enough. No more.

Cena vs. Stone Cold. HELL NO! Stone Cold owned the Attitude Era and is arguably the biggest WWF/WWE Superstar of all time. He arrived, raised hell and left, just like the t-shirt says. Personally, I don't want "one more match" and Steve has nothing to prove to anyone. Having him come in for a touch of nostalgia just to do a job would be a slap in the face. Sometimes, you gotta just let the past be the past.

Cena vs. Jake the Snake or Hulk Hogan. LOL. Are people serious about this?

Cena vs. Orton. Again? Please no.

Cena vs. Daniel Bryan? After Bray Wyatt transforms Bryan into the American Monster or the American Dragon? YES! But it ain't gonna happen.

Cena vs. Lesnar for the title. Book it.