John Cena return 2022: What we know so far about his WWE comeback

John Cena is reportedly set to make another WWE return in 2022. Here is what we know about his comeback to the company so far.

Cena hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since last August. He took on Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam in a losing effort.

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Although the WWE legend signed up for a multi-appearance deal, the Reigns defeat was his only match during his brief return to the company.

Fans have seen little of Cena in recent years as his Hollywood commitments ramp up. The 45-year-old features in four films that are slated for release this year. He is currently filming two of those films, while one is in post-production. In addition, he was also cast in the leading role in the hit new TV series ‘Peacemaker‘.

Cena currently has a part-time contract with WWE, allowing him to make appearances whenever he is available.

Fans, therefore, are eagerly anticipating the next time his famous entrance music drops – and they will no doubt react in the same way as they did when he made his triumphant return at Money in the Bank last year.

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Here’s what we know so far about a John Cena return in 2022:

When will John Cena return to WWE?

WWE fans can expect a John Cena return anytime soon in 2022 if recent reports are anything to go by.

Wrestling journalist Brad Shepard has previously claimed that the 45-year-old is expected to come back to WWE in late June.

He told his Unleashed Patreon: “I spoke with a source in WWE today, and they told me John Cena is expected back in late June of this year.

“I don’t have a more specific time frame or the creative plan yet, but I do know he’ll be showing his face.”

Read more: John Cena is expected to return to WWE later this year

Will John Cena return on a part-time or full-time basis?

John Cena has previously indicated that he would not return to WWE on a full-time basis.

In an interview with GQ Magazine, Cena commented: “I miss [the touring lifestyle] every day. Every single day. But I’ll be 45 on April 23, and I was very fortunate to make it as long as I did with only a minor list of injuries. Nothing that has changed the trajectory of my health.

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“I’m strong, flexible and in really good shape externally, internally. I think now, being a full-time touring performer might start to hit that point of diminishing returns, and I have to be realistic when I look at that.”

Having wrestled just one televised match in the past three years, this revelation did not significantly shock WWE fans. But it does confirm Cena’s future plans.

Who could John Cena face upon his return?

No creative plans or potential opponents have been announced for John Cena’s next return. However, there are several foes that he could take on based on past rivalries or social media comments.

The first name that comes to mind is Universal Champion Roman Reigns. In theory, Cena could be desperate to get revenge on ‘The Tribal Chief’ after his loss last summer. However, you would imagine that WWE would want Cena to take on a fresher opponent.

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That could lead the company to book Cena against long-time rival Brock Lesnar. When SummerSlam went off the air last year, Lesnar entered the ring and delivered a series of F5s to ‘The Leader of the Cenation’. As Cena has not featured on WWE TV since, an apparent reason behind this interaction has never been established. However, all would make sense if a feud was to open up between the pair.

Meanwhile, Cena could take on Theory this summer. The 24-year-old has already been touted as a future face of the company, much like Cena was in the early 2000s. A ‘past vs present’ match would surely appeal to WWE fans. It may even represent another title opportunity for Cena, with Theory the current United States Champion.

Other options include restarting past rivalries against AJ Styles, Seth Rollins or even Edge.

WWE fans will eagerly anticipate the return of John Cena in 2022 to find out who he will be facing.

Featured Image Credit: Getty