John Cena: My Days Are Numbered
Perhaps no one has accomplished more in WWE than John Cena. In terms of bringing wrestling to [...]
Perhaps no one has accomplished more in WWE than John Cena. In terms of bringing wrestling to every corner of the globe, Cena's contributions are unmatched. He's been so good for so long, that his monstrous presence casts a shadowy question: What will they do when he leaves?
That day may be quickly approaching
In an interview with Complex, Cena was asked why he was given the privilege of being a "free agent," allowing him to jump from RAW to SmackDown.
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"The reason that I wanted to be a free agent and the reason they kind of granted my request is that I don't know if I'll be available for Smackdown specific only or Raw specific only, and I also know that my days are numbered."
"I just turned 40 in April and we have so many young and talented performers, I don't know how many years I have left. So in the time I have left, I'm gonna do what I can to dedicate to this company I just want to be able to do it the most time that I possibly can."
It sounds like Cena is really focused on making his final years count. In the world of wrestling, being 40-years-old is hardly a handicap. Some of WWE's greatest performers have had their brightest moments around that age. However, perhaps no one has worked as hard as Cena and he may sincerely need the time away. That said, it would be very hard to see Cena not being involved in WWE after he hangs up his boots.
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"If the day comes when I'm not involved with the WWE that would come as a drastic surprise to me...I literally would do whatever they asked me to. In whatever capacity I can help the company I would love to do so."
The topic of finding his replacement is a hot one among fans and professionals in the business. The core issue is that you just can't simply replace John Cena. Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer, when asked if WWE could create another Cena, had this response:
"You think that they can make another John Cena? They have been trying for years and they got nobody. Even if WWE had the ability to do so, and they sure don't, they don't get the guy. Who's the guy out there?" I think that this was a pretty interesting and sad discussion. With the numbers falling like they are, WWE could be in trouble in a few years."
This is a little melodramatic, but Meltzer makes his points. WWE's times of trouble would never be too dire ad they are too insulated by a cyclical, thus generational fan base. While things may be different when Cena leaves, we cannot assume it would be a time of panic. WWE will rebound when the day comes.