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The Franchise Player of the WWE is yet to be announced on the card for the Greatest Show of the Summer, but he hasn't missed this event since 2004 and it is unlikely that he will not be part of this edition either. Cena is still one of the biggest draws that the WWE has at their disposal, and probably will definitely feature at the show.
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So, if Cena has to be a part of the show as an active competitor with a big match, who should his opponent be. He has worked the likes of Edge, Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, AJ Styles, Randy Orton etc. at past iterations of the show.
Cena, off recent SummerSlam's, has provided quality matches and satisfying results. So, let's take a look at the five opponents John Cena could have at this SummerSlam.
#4 John Cena vs. Finn Balor
Even though there has been little to no provocation that Cena and Finn Balor will ever cross paths in the WWE, this would be one of the most sensible matches to book. Finn Balor, in his demon persona, is an extremely over-the-top character which would be very hard for most people to understand, including John Cena.
Considering how WWE use Cena now, Cena could easily just come out on Raw and issue a challenge to a young star at SummerSlam. This challenge can be answered by Balor and the two can have a purpose to meet them.
Cena, not understanding what 'The Demon' entails, dismisses it as a juvenile gimmick gets the shock of his life when the match happens at SummerSlam. He sees Balor move with a greater purpose.
Faster and also deadlier, Cena has to think on his feet to thwart the threat of The Demon King. Cena could use his regular power moves to hold the much smaller Balor down while working him over with basic holds and strikes.
He could also go for big move after big move, much like the match against AJ Styles at Royal Rumble 2016.
Ideally, Balor should win, but this being WWE could see Cena beat the young star. regardless, this could be a tremendous match for the Cenation Leader this SummerSlam.
#3 John Cena vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas
A return to the blue brand for Cena could see him square off against the new kid on the block Andrade "Cien" Almas.
Almas has no storyline direction right now, but apparently has WWE management hot on him and have set up a push and a half for him.
It is better to have him away from the imminent implosion of Rusev Day and probably put him in a featured match against the iconic John Cena.
Almas could be challenged by Cena in a more direct way. Cena could be dismissive of the buzz that has built around the former La Sombra and wants to see him prove his mettle to the measuring stick himself.
Almas is such a good heel that he and Zelina Vega could probably eat into Cena's skin. They could attack him and he could enter SummerSlam at his most vulnerable.
The match could see Cena fight back using his iron resolve and give Almas a fight, but be constantly bogged down by the cunning duo of Vega and Almas.
The match could end by Cena succumbing to the weeks of abuse by Almas and Vega or he wins reiterating his super strong mental conditioning.
Even though going the Almas way is preferable, WWE may stick to giving Cena the win.
#2 John Cena vs. Drew McIntyre
Cena is a star. Drew McIntyre is a rising star who looks like a contract killer. Much like Randy Orton in the early-2000's, McIntyre looks like the kind of wrestler that will take wrestlers out just to establish himself as a star.
Starting with Cena would be a great idea. As Ziggler will be busy with Rollins anyway at this year's show, why not make McIntyre into a star by pitting him against Cena? Answering the open challenge we spoke about in the last entry, McIntyre could vow to end Cena's career at SummerSlam 2018, and Cena wanting to slap some sense into the brash and cocky McIntyre.
The match could be the clash of two heavyweights, showcasing striking and the immense strength both men have. I would have this match put under some extreme stipulation, to show the lengths both men wouldn't mind going to ensure victory.
Cena has proven himself to be great under extreme circumstances in the past, and McIntyre is a bruiser who could just amplify the violence with all the weapons available to him.
Again, you would ideally have the younger McIntyre prevail over Cena in a violent clash and have his star cemented in the WWE, Cena winning isn't what anyone would be excited to see, but if WWE wants to send the kids home happy, they may just do it.
#1 The Undertaker
Who else? The most anti-climactic WrestleMania match of all time needs more to it. Undertaker's squash of Cena at WrestleMania 34 made very little sense to most people.
No one knew what was the endgame, but now it seems clearer. Cena and 'Taker could meet on the second biggest show of the year and add another chapter to this seemingly bizarre rivalry.
This may be the least exciting and most uninspired choice, but is the only one that makes sense in the WWE scheme of things.
Cena and Undertaker have to follow up on their WrestleMania match, and this is a perfect second chapter. Cena could probably challenge 'Taker again at SummerSlam or somehow manage to get 'Taker to face him using unconventional means.
This could set up a main event worthy match, which wouldn't necessarily be great from an in-ring perspective, but could be a tremendous psychological affair.
The winner has to be Cena if WWE wants to add a final grudge match to finally send 'Taker into retirement at WrestleMania 35.
This may be the biggest match on the list, however, it may not be the most exciting.
Who do you think Cena should face at SummerSlam? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!
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