What If Cena Retired Right Now?

[Deleted]

I've posted something similar before, but I typed this out on another forum and decided I might as well post it here too, because we're still in the same situation are we not?

I will start off saying this is completely hypothetical. I am not wishing any harm to Cena, and I don't want to see any of you doing so. I only say that, because I've seen gunk like that on other various sites, and it' s appalling.

Now. Let's say Cena suffers a career ending injury, and he can never wrestle again.

What would WWE do? Seriously, look at their roster. Who do they have who can step up and be "the guy"? Who would the machine get behind and try and push as the guy?

They tried that with Reigns, but the crowd rejected him. Now, I like Roman Reigns, I think he could totally be a top babyface. However, it is not the crowd to blame that he was rejected. Roman's mic skills where awful at first, and they booked him like a fool. He should have been booked as a silent badass, similar to Goldberg, however he was cracking jokes and cutting cringeworthy promos while wrestling lackluster matches. He has greatly improved since then, and I think he would be more accepted now.

I've never been a fan of blaming the crowd for stuff. Where is it written that a crowd must accept everything they are presented? The crowd made Cena, he was really over as a babyface and they rolled with it. Vince McMahon was wrong about Cena, he ended up becoming one of the greatest of all time. I do think the idea of "the stupid IWC doesn't know anything" should fade away. The IWC isn't some sort of "secret club" anymore, the world is wired together now...the past few tweets coming back to haunt wrestlers proves it.

I feel that right now WWE is almost afraid of breaking the status quo. Word on the sheets is that when Cena's merchandise started selling less after Owens beats him, they had Cena beat Owens twice to re-establish his dominance.

Now, I'm not saying every guy should beat Cena, it means a lot when someone beats him clean..however, a few more losses would do much more good than bad in the future.

NXT is quite promising indeed. It showcases and allows people to evolve and grow as characters. This has got to happen more often. Give us a reason to cheer for someone, like that weird RAW where a lot of the roster was off on some tour and Luke Harper got a promo in. Character development is something that I feel over the years has lacked severely.


Kevin Owens is quite possibly the most interesting character in a long time. He is a man who says he is there to fight and make money for his family. If you dig deeper, I think you see a sadistic and sick person who enjoys hurting people and simply uses his family as an excuse in his twisted mind in order to justify maiming and mutilating those who oppose him.

I bring up Kevin Owens, because I truly believe that if he was to one day turn face, he could perhaps rival Cena's popularity. He is an incredible wrestler, good talker, and he looks like the average joe. To me, that's the kind of guy I want to root for. If I was a kid watching, Kevin Owens would probably be my favorite, because he's a big guy, he ain't pretty, yet he's taken seriously and is an ass kicker.

In conclusion, I'm not sure exactly what would happen if Cena would retire right now. "Panic" is probably an understatement, but WWE has got to start taking the mere thought of the idea more seriously, because Cena isn't going to be around forever.

This is a little all over the place, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

And you don't have to agree with me, challenge me, my opinion holds no more value than yours.

[Deleted]

Then

[Mr. PerpetuaLynch Motion]

Put Orton on top? I feel like they would definitely just slot Orton in the top guy slot. If Orton and Cena were both forced to retire at the same time then it gets a little more complicated... Probably just feature the three Shield guys at the top.

[CM Poor]

Sept 1, 2015 2:53:19 GMT -5 Mr. PerpetuaLynch Motion said:

Put Orton on top? I feel like they would definitely just slot Orton in the top guy slot. If Orton and Cena were both forced to retire at the same time then it gets a little more complicated... Probably just feature the three Shield guys at the top.

I could back this. As far as seasoned, tenured talent goes, Orton's probably the one I enjoy the most who they could probably be doing more than they are with.

[punksnotdead]

Cena is in the decline stage of his product lifecycle. Meaning, mostly everyone he's gong to sell a t-shirt to has a t-shirt. In terms of audience reaction, the rejection has grown sustainable across the country. Places like New York and Chicago have hated him for years, now it's happening in nearly every city he visits.

Cena is protected by WWE. Vince McMahon is going to milk the cow until it's dry. We've known this for a long while. He's run over everyone, beaten anyone new that people have gotten excited about, and he continues to come out and say and do the same sh*t he's done for a decade, which no wrestler has ever gotten away with to my recollection. He is the machine, the machine is him.

That being said, if WWE was forced to do it, Ambrose would step right in and take his spot, filling more of an Austin-Lite role than a Hogan-Cena role. People can keep saying Reigns all they want but he's a failed experiment, he's Lex Luger. The best Roman Reigns is ever going to be is Batista. WWE also has the ability to immediately call up Finn Balor, who is undoubtedly a needle mover. Given you have Rollins cemented as the next HHH/Orton level heel for the main event for the next decade, WWE would be fine for the immediate future.

The Cena factor has always been an issue, but every time he gets hurt he comes back in half the time he was supposed to be gone and squashes someone else. It's not something Vince is worried about. I also agree with the sentiment that people are now of the mindset to go see WWE the show, versus WWE the top guy. This isn't 1988 and fans aren't rushing to the building just to see Hulk Hogan. In 2015, everyone has a favorite guy and diversity in fan tastes is more apparent now than ever. I may buy my ticket to see Seth Rollins, whereas someone else might buy their ticket to see Bray Wyatt. That kind of situation is largely good for business, at least for the time being when all these guys are still relatively young.

It is what it is honestly. The guard is changing, slowly. 5 years ago, Cena would have gone into SummerSlam against Rollins and come out with both titles and then challenged the New Day the next night on Raw and won. There is no doubt in my mind though that the WWE marketing machine is keeping Cena at a certain level and that everyone in WWE would rather be content with good than risk anything and potentially be great. John Cena being gone will inevitably be good, likely great, for business. WWE being forced to survive without him is about the only way I can envision them being forced to push themselves in a world without competition.

[Quazimoto]

I want to preface this by saying I would never wish ill will on Cena, but...

I honestly think the best thing for WWE right now would be if Cena did retire. He basically cuts the same impassioned promo time and again during every major feud and he hasn't evolved a bit in the past seven years or so.
More importantly, The guy's done everything you can do a few times over and it seems, particularly in recent years, that he's derailed many hot pushes and potential new mega stars.

It started with Wade Barrett. WWE had a fantastic new heel who, along with the Nexus, was absolutely on fire for a little while. Then Nexus gets ruined at SummerSlam, while Barrett gets continually degraded in loss after loss to Cena to the point that no one could take him seriously anymore.

Then there was CM Punk, who despite being WWE Champion for over a year, always took a back seat to Cena and whatever thing he was doing, even when it was Cena vs. John Laurinitis. Worse yet, Punk was never once allowed to have a single decisive, none screwball finish, win over Cena. There always had to be something or someone else that prevented Cena from beating Punk to the point that it was clear to the average fan that Punk simply couldn't beat Cena on his own.

And this year alone Cena pretty well completed destroyed the crowning of a new mega star twice. Rusev was undefeated an unstoppable before he tangled with Cena. Rusev gets one controversial win at Fast Lane, then Cena proceeds to beat him three times in a row at major PPVs, totally halting any momentum and aura Rusev had. Thankfully, Rusev is the kind of talent that will bounce back (and in some ways has). Still, I can't help but feel that if not for Cena, Rusev would already be a major player in the main event scene.

Most recently, we have Kevin Owens. Like Rusev (though even more so in Owens' case), KO has loads of talent and will eventually be a bona-fide main event mega star. However, WWE had a golden opportunity to fast track a guy to stardom with a talent that was clearly already more than ready for that role. They have Owens actually beat Cena clean in his first match on the main roster, only to make him lose to Cena in the following two major shows when the United States Championship was on the line, which basically tells every average fan that Cena simply underestimated Owens in the first match because he had no problem beating him clean as a whistle in the next two meetings.

I know it's not really Cena's fault entirely (though I refuse to believe Cena doesn't have enough pull to call when he wins and loses when it doesn't majorly effect storyline plans). WWE has simply gotten lazy and seemingly refuses to do anything that might shake the status quo that is John Cena, even when it could mean excellent new things for the company and the on screen product.

I give Cena a lot of credit. He works incredibly hard and is clearly dedicated to the industry. When he has an opponent that he clicks with, he can put on a hell of a match. And no one... NO ONE ...can touch his contributions to the Make A Wish kids (having granted more than 500 wishes is astounding and damn sure should be applauded). However, at this point, I really feel like John Cena does more harm than good for the on screen WWE product. Until recently, with the emergence of NXT, WWE hasn't evolved of changed one bit since Cena took the reigns as "The Man". And no matter what is happening on screen, the major storylines always somehow seem to revolve around or return to John Cena. Basically, WWE has put just about all their eggs in John Cena's basket and that's just stupid. They've been incredibly lucky that it hasn't completely backfired on them. Remember when there were ten guys who could legitimately be World Champion and legitimately feel like a World Champion at any time? Remember how much fun and how exciting that was? WWE doesn't have that anymore. Rollins is fantastic, but does he really feel like a World Champion? (yes, I understand you're supposed to not like him and think he's only champion because of The Authority). Is there anyone not named Randy Orton or Brock Lesnar that the average fan could see being a truly legitimate World Champion right now beside Cena? If Cena suddenly disappeared of was injured to the point of not being able to compete anymore, it basically forces WWE to finally do what they should have been doing all along... create new stars that don't just get fed to Cena and frankly, that's something WWE really does need to do right now. Reigns clearly wasn't ready and they tried to force it too much, which led to a lot of backlash. Daniel Bryan was never in their plans and fans forced their hand in making him a main eventer. CM Punk was basically told "it's John Cena's ball, but we're gonna let you play with it for a while". Hell even Ryback was a house of flames for a while, but plans couldn't be changed because WWE HAD to do Cena vs Rock for the second year in a row at WrestleMania.

Like I said, I respect Cena for all he has done in and out of the ring, but at this point, I feel like he damages the on screen product more than he helps it. As Owen Hart used to say "Enough is enough and it's time for a change". Sadly, it seems we won't get that change until Cena steps away for whatever reason.

[Deleted]

I'd cry... Of Happiness.

No but in all seriousness there is tons of talent better and more entertaining than Cena WWE would be fine.

[Midnight]

I'd throw a small party.

[The Kevstaaa]

The worry that Cena could retire instantly and the WWE not really have a bonafide star ready to take over is a testament to how poorly they've done at building a new star.

[BrIaNMeRcY]

Sept 1, 2015 8:09:22 GMT -5 punksnotdead said:

Cena is in the decline stage of his product lifecycle. Meaning, mostly everyone he's gong to sell a t-shirt to has a t-shirt. In terms of audience reaction, the rejection has grown sustainable across the country. Places like New York and Chicago have hated him for years, now it's happening in nearly every city he visits.

Cena is protected by WWE. Vince McMahon is going to milk the cow until it's dry. We've known this for a long while. He's run over everyone, beaten anyone new that people have gotten excited about, and he continues to come out and say and do the same sh*t he's done for a decade, which no wrestler has ever gotten away with to my recollection. He is the machine, the machine is him.

That being said, if WWE was forced to do it, Ambrose would step right in and take his spot, filling more of an Austin-Lite role than a Hogan-Cena role. People can keep saying Reigns all they want but he's a failed experiment, he's Lex Luger. The best Roman Reigns is ever going to be is Batista. WWE also has the ability to immediately call up Finn Balor, who is undoubtedly a needle mover. Given you have Rollins cemented as the next HHH/Orton level heel for the main event for the next decade, WWE would be fine for the immediate future.

The Cena factor has always been an issue, but every time he gets hurt he comes back in half the time he was supposed to be gone and squashes someone else. It's not something Vince is worried about. I also agree with the sentiment that people are now of the mindset to go see WWE the show, versus WWE the top guy. This isn't 1988 and fans aren't rushing to the building just to see Hulk Hogan. In 2015, everyone has a favorite guy and diversity in fan tastes is more apparent now than ever. I may buy my ticket to see Seth Rollins, whereas someone else might buy their ticket to see Bray Wyatt. That kind of situation is largely good for business, at least for the time being when all these guys are still relatively young.

It is what it is honestly. The guard is changing, slowly. 5 years ago, Cena would have gone into SummerSlam against Rollins and come out with both titles and then challenged the New Day the next night on Raw and won. There is no doubt in my mind though that the WWE marketing machine is keeping Cena at a certain level and that everyone in WWE would rather be content with good than risk anything and potentially be great. John Cena being gone will inevitably be good, likely great, for business. WWE being forced to survive without him is about the only way I can envision them being forced to push themselves in a world without competition.

Well stated! To add to what you've already mentioned, the WWE did a terrible job creating new main event guys from about 2006-2011. When you have a healthy main event roster, you can market more guys and move merch. Vince McMahon has gotten too comfortable with John Cena. If you package guys as a serious deal, you can slot them into the main event. The more dance partners, the better is is for us fans and the WWE. The WWE has done a good job establishing Seth Rollins as their top heel. Right now, the WWE is being forced to create new main event guys.

The WWE got real lucky with Seth Rollins. He isn't in his 30's yet and he can get a ton of mileage. The WWE took their time with Rollins and is is paying off big time. A performer's ascension should be organic, not forced. Rollins' ascension was organic, Roman Reigns' ascension wasn't. I have said this time and time again, timing must be on their side.

[Tyler Black]

I feel like Triple H is in the back ripping his hair out of his head every Monday night because of Cena. Think about it. There's 6 of Triple H's NXT kids on the main roster either in or on the cusp of the main event. The Shield, Wyatt, Rusev, Owens. Cena completely stopped 3 of them (Wyatt, Rusev, Owens) and I'm pretty sure in all the matches they've had, Seth hasnt beaten Cena clean once.

[Deleted]

Sept 1, 2015 9:16:56 GMT -5 Tyler Black said:

I feel like Triple H is in the back ripping his hair out of his head every Monday night because of Cena. Think about it. There's 6 of Triple H's NXT kids on the main roster either in or on the cusp of the main event. The Shield, Wyatt, Rusev, Owens. Cena completely stopped 3 of them (Wyatt, Rusev, Owens) and I'm pretty sure in all the matches they've had, Seth hasnt beaten Cena clean once.

That would probably explain Triple H's current haircut.

[Deleted]

Sept 1, 2015 9:13:53 GMT -5 The Kevstaaa said:

The worry that Cena could retire instantly and the WWE not really have a bonafide star ready to take over is a testament to how poorly they've done at building a new star.

/thread

[hbkowns]

Sept 1, 2015 8:09:22 GMT -5 punksnotdead said:

Cena is in the decline stage of his product lifecycle. Meaning, mostly everyone he's gong to sell a t-shirt to has a t-shirt. In terms of audience reaction, the rejection has grown sustainable across the country. Places like New York and Chicago have hated him for years, now it's happening in nearly every city he visits.

Cena is protected by WWE. Vince McMahon is going to milk the cow until it's dry. We've known this for a long while. He's run over everyone, beaten anyone new that people have gotten excited about, and he continues to come out and say and do thesame sh*t he's done for a decade, which no wrestler has ever gotten away with to my recollection. He is the machine, the machine is him.

That being said, if WWE was forced to do it, Ambrose would step right in and take his spot, filling more of an Austin-Lite role than a Hogan-Cena role. People can keep saying Reigns all they want but he's a failed experiment, he's Lex Luger. The best Roman Reigns is ever going to be is Batista. WWE also has the ability to immediately call up Finn Balor, who is undoubtedly a needle mover. Given you have Rollins cemented as the next HHH/Orton level heel for the main event for the next decade, WWE would be fine for the immediate future.

The Cena factor has always been an issue, but every time he gets hurt he comes back in half the time he was supposed to be gone and squashes someone else. It's not something Vince is worried about. I also agree with the sentiment that people are now of the mindset to go see WWE the show, versus WWE the top guy. This isn't 1988 and fans aren't rushing to the building just to see Hulk Hogan. In 2015, everyone has a favorite guy and diversity in fan tastes is more apparent now than ever. I may buy my ticket to see Seth Rollins, whereas someone else might buy their ticket to see Bray Wyatt. That kind of situation is largely good for business, at least for the time being when all these guys are still relatively young.

It is what it is honestly. The guard is changing, slowly. 5 years ago, Cena would have gone into SummerSlam against Rollins and come out with both titles and then challenged the New Day the next night on Raw and won. There is no doubt in my mind though that the WWE marketing machine is keeping Cena at a certain level and that everyone in WWE would rather be content with good than risk anything and potentially be great. John Cena being gone will inevitably be good, likely great, for business. WWE being forced to survive without him is about the only way I can envision them being forced to push themselves in a world without competition.

I would really love to see how things would go if Cena were to leave. It would be a weird feeling. From 2001 til 2005 there was no one solid top guy. That's when the product was the best because everybody got a shot. Guerrero, Benoit, Jericho, Orton, Lesnar, Mysterio. I would assume it would be like that right now actually. Right now is almost like how it was in 2002 when the roster was jam packed and EVERYONE was there. The only difference is not everyone is being showcased properly. Ambrose, Rollins, Reigns, Wyatt, Owens, Cesaro, Balor, Zayn, Neville, Ziggler are all guys that can be in a rotation and all guys that can be in a premier spot. The worst thing to happen this decade was ending the roster split. I feel like we would have a lot more superstars. I mean bonified SUPERSTARS if the brand split was still around. I hate the idea of the conception that there can only be one top guy or one big star. There's enough talent right now to make a dozen superstars and then some. They're just not assembling everything properly.

[Deleted]

Bye.

[torriefan4life]

I don't wish anything bad for Cena, but I would be very happy if he were to retire later today

[hbkbigdaddycool]

At one time I would have said Ryback. But that was back in late 2012/early 2013.


Dean Ambrose could be if they booked him right. He goes hot to cold so easily now. A few months ago you would think he would be the one to end Seth Rollins's WWE Title reign. Now he is the jobber in the team of him and Reigns.

[Deleted]

In my hypothetical Cena retirement scenario, Cena retires to become a full-time stay-at-home-dad to he and Nikki's adopted children.

Dean Ambrose would replace him as the new face of the WWE.

[Yambag Jones]

They'd be screwed. I'm pretty sure that Vince McMahon can't create stars and that he never could. Their current options are not that great...

Triple H: Probably their best option. Bring him back full time and have him face a string of part-timers (Sting, Rock, Brock, Taker) and guys like Rollins, Orton, and Bryan.
CM Punk: 2nd best option, but not gonna happen.
Roman Reigns: They refuse to make him an Austin-like ass kicker, something that would make the crowd warm up to him overnight (to a lesser degree I'd say the same for Sheamus).
Bryan: Can't be trusted to stay healthy.
Randy Orton: I'd echo the suggestion of making him the top guy, but if the rumors are true he's looking for a reduced schedule.
Rollins and Ambrose: Both are great, but I wouldn't peg either as THE face of the company just yet.
Ziggler: Would this be the circumstance that would lead to Ziggler getting an HBK like run? If they needed a charismatic star, he could be a guy to get one big push.
NXT Invasion: F**k it, go all out and give top NJPW, RoH, and indy talent great deals. Bringing in a constant flow of guys like Styles, Adam Cole, Nakamura, Roddy Strong, etc would be pretty damn cool.

[Deleted]

If there were a scenario where Cena had to call it a day next week say? Vince would really be forced outta his comfort zone and would have to get back into "star making" mode right away.