WWE Rumors: Rift between John Cena and WWE over return date

Is there tension between John Cena and WWE over booking The Undertaker and Goldberg?

Could John Cena’s commitments outside of professional wrestling be part of the reason both Goldberg and The Undertaker have been booked on Raw and SmackDown Live in recent weeks, and could it be the reason the WWE and the former champion are at odds?

Cena has not been in action in a WWE ring since October due to the second season taping of American Grit. The 15-time world champion is scheduled to make his return to the ring in a triple-threat match for the WWE World title along with AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose on December 26 at Madison Square Garden.

Both Styles and Ambrose have headlined SmackDown Live’s main event roster in Cena’s absence. It has also been reported that Cena could return to WWE taping after the first of the year. All of that, however, might be on hold as there is speculation that Cena and the company are not seeing eye to eye on booking and plans that have taken place while he has been away.

Here’s what Will McCormick of inquisitr.com wrote about the issue:

“According to a new report (from Pro Wrestling Unlimited), there is a belief that John Cena could be at odds with WWE officials, right now, due in part to the WWE returns of Bill Goldberg and The Undertaker in his absence. It’s being said that The Undertaker’s early return to WWE television and increased schedule over the next few months was a result of Cena’s return date possibly being pushed back due to something happening between Cena and WWE.”

Cena has been a part of the main event picture on SmackDown Live, out of necessity, due to a lack of depth on the brand’s roster.

There is still talk that a match between Cena and Undertaker will happen at WrestleMania 33 in Orlando next year. Now that Goldberg appears to be a part of WWE’s plans at WrestleMania 33, there are more options for the company, in terms of booking. Cena could capture No. 16 in Orlando, and someone like Randy Orton compete with The Dead Man.

Because of Cena’s schedule outside of wrestling, there is a belief Undertaker was given more booking date and multiple pay-per-view events. There is also a belief that Cena isn’t happy with not knowing ahead of time the company’s plans for Goldberg, ‘Taker and Brock Lesnar with the recent Survivor Series PPV or what the company has planned for them moving forward.


For latest WWE News, live coverage and rumours visit our Sportskeeda WWE section. Also if you are attending a WWE Live event or have a news tip for us drop us an email at fightclub (at) sportskeeda (dot) com.

Quick Links