Two weeks ago, SmackDown Live finally overtook RAW in TV ratings, and a big reason for this was the return of a certain fifteen time world champion. John Cena is without doubt a future Hall of Famer, but since No Mercy SmackDown Live has been doing just fine without him in the picture.
It makes you question, will his return make a difference?
Demanding a title shot
Upon his return to WWE, John Cena cut an impassioned promo, ‘challenging’ the winner of that night’s main event to a title match at the Rumble. This caused quite a stir amongst the wrestling community and looks set to be the basis of a Baron Corbin push, as the two squared off on the next episode of SmackDown Live.
John Cena being able to demand a title shot sets a precedent that ‘part-timers’ can get title shots upon request, whereas full-time talent need to scratch and claw for opportunities. This leaves a bad taste for fans who recognise Cena/Styles will always result in a stellar clash, but want to see young talent receive the pushes they deserve.
Putting over young talent
John Cena has a reputation for burying young talent; the likes of Bray Wyatt, Umaga and Wade Barrett come to mind. However, his return gives him an opportunity to make amends for putting the breaks on so many superstar’s careers. This already seems to be the case with Cena and Baron Corbin having gone head to head on January 10th, a good match could still launch Corbin into the main-event scene despite his loss. SmackDown Live is littered with promising talent and a match against Vince’s Goldenboy, could do wonders for their careers.
Big Money Matches
Although John Cena has been a polarising figure the past few years, he is undoubtedly a big money-maker for WWE. Anytime he shows up, he’s bound to draw a crowd, as shown by his appearance on SmackDown Live’s Wildcard Finals. Not only does he draw big, but Cena can put on a great match with almost anyone! Therefore from a business standpoint, it makes sense that the WWE would want to throw him in the main event. Especially with the rumours circulating that we may finally get Cena vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33.
Although both men are wrestling infrequently, when they show up, they really show up!
He’ll eventually leave again
John Cena is a very busy man these days, with one film scheduled to come out next year, and filming on another, it’s inevitable he’ll be taking another break from wrestling. On one hand, it means we’ll get fewer ‘Let’s go Cena, Cena Sucks’ chants, but it also means WWE creative can only book Cena up until WrestleMania at the latest.
This means any feud Cena is put in, will never be the calibre of a drawn out emotional feud, like that of Daniel Bryan and The Miz. Luckily WWE are used to their top guys leaving for long periods, Chris Jericho comes to mind, and if booked properly Cena’s next departure itself can be used to propel another superstar.
In conclusion, John Cena isn’t perfect (don’t tell Vince) but as a whole, his return can result in great things. As long as he leaves his shovel at home and puts in the work, we’ll see some top notch matches in the foreseeable future.
Not only that, Vince can already smell the dollars pouring in from ticket and merch sales, and a happy Vince McMahon (usually) means some good things coming from WWE.
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