Is this the beginning of the end for John Cena?

[Maluco]

John Cena has had a few good reviews in some cameo film appearances rceently. He is naturally charismatic and a presence on screen. Cena maintained in interviews over the years that he was a sports entertainer for life, and distanced himself from ever really taking time away from what he loved.

Except that he has, after more than a decade at the top of the tree, Cena has finally taken some well deserved time off. It then came out that it was to do a reality show and other TV work. And today he said this...



During an interview with Zap2It, John Cena revealed why he though now was the time for him to take time off from WWE. Here's what the former United States Champion said:

“I’ve been a cornerstone of WWE programming since 2002. That’s a long time, it’s more than 10 years. So much so that a portion of our audience has direct complacency with me. ‘Man, Cena holds everybody down. He doesn’t give the new guys a chance.”

He continued, “personally, and this gives me a better perspective on Dwayne Johnson’s path, you get to a certain point and you cannot attract any more fans. Essentially, my productivity from a company standpoint . . . I’ve done as much as I can — 15 world championships and a myriad of other accomplishments. I don’t know what left I can do, but I still want to be able to put people in the building.”




Even though he goes on to again state his love for WWE and the fact that he will never leave, his opinion has softened on The Rock's choices. He has a different perspective and can see different opportunities outside the ring that won't be so hard on his body.

I think Cena will always be affiliated with WWE to some degree, but is this the start of part-time Cena, making special appearances and coming in like Lesnar? Could that be good for business? And if Cena did start to take more time off, who do you see as filling the void?

[Simple Fan]

I think that part time Cena would be great. People like Cena they're just over exposed to the point where people start to dislike him. I don't see him having a schedule as light as Brocks but could see him taking more time off. With guys Ambrose, Rollins, Owens, Balor, Wyatt, and Apollo Crews around I believed WWE will be fine without Cena, just depends on how well WWE books all of them.

[Emperor Smeat]

Needs to be if the WWE really wants Reigns as their new mega star. Can't really have the old mega star still hog up the focus regardless where he is on the card when all the real focus needs to be on Reigns or Cena's successor.

They had a great chance to start it with Mania 30 when the whole ppv felt like a changing of the guard but didn't when it came to Cena. Wasn't until the US Open Challenge that it really felt he was starting his climb downwards except nobody else really befitted from it directly.

Does seem a bit hypocritical of him to be doing more side stuff when he attacked the Rock in the past for leaving the WWE but at least he realizes now why the Rock did it. Also probably realizes like the Rock that his brand is strong enough now to take advantage of it for his potential post-WWE career.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

He probably decided being a hollywood star was alright when he got to literally be inside Amy Schumer.

[Theo Dious]

Yeah the best thing for his value to WWE right now is to be in the ring less & become a Wrestlemania attraction. Good for him if he goes that way.

[Vastardikai]

Add to that the fact that I still don't believe that Cena has more than a couple years left in him.

I just wanted to leave this here.

Seriously, I think it is time for him to think about moving on, for his own good.

[Theo Dious]

He has a lucky choice now. His career won't be any more legendary if he maintains a full time workload and I have a feeling his retirement will be well funded. If he starts dialing it back now he can live a comfortable life. Or he can risk fucking his body up hardcore. Honestly people will probably warm up to him if he steps away at this point.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Everyone's pretty much said it. The guy has put the yards in, and with more and more opportunities opening up, he can't really be blamed for stepping away from the focus. He won't be gone-gone, but I could see him getting a movie role next year, as well as filming the second season of American Grit if that thing takes off.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

He was fucking awesome in trainwreck, though it's not overly surprising.

[owenbrown]

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/101/781/Y0UJC.png

Cena is going to be burying superstars when he is 100

[weather vane]

Left to do? A big meaningful heel turn would be something. Do what Hogan did.

[Jazzy Foot]

Cena will still get the one or two more title wins he needs to break Ric Flair's record and that will be done by the end of 2016 I think. Heck I would not be surprised if we end up seeing him as champ by the end of WM 32.


Cena has always been a big star but indeed he will not always be on top forever. He isn't exactly old but it would be silly for WWE to focus on say him and Lesnar as the top stars for the next 5 years when in reality both man are getting older and are keen to explore other options. The Rock (as Hogan did before) has really set the trend for wrestlers going into entertainment etc and Cena has a role within in that i.e. the natural, charismatic tough guy and inevitably could make far more money that way than he ever could/did with the WWE.

As someone else mentioned, having him come in occasionally keeps his brand fresh and allows WWE to develop other talent. As they learnt fatefully with Daniel Bryan, it's too bad to invest heavily in one star as at any moment they can pick a serious injury which may well end their career before it's taken off.

When he returns he needs to be brought back into the main event/WWE title scene. He briefly reinvigorated the US title but a guy of his standing deserves/ought to be in the main event/wwe title picture.

Leave the US title to the Del Rios, Swaggers, Harpers, Stardusts of the world.