5 Replacements for John Cena if he doesn't work Crown Jewel

WWE Crown Jewel is just over a week away from us with uncertainty still over the event. In midst of controversy regarding the missing and allegedly murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, WWE is still moving on with the event. There are rumors from backstage that a few top tier Superstars are not willing to perform at the event.

WWE department made a decision to give the Superstars an option to avoid negative publicity regarding the event. Superstars can choose to perform or stay out of the event solely on their will without any repercussion.

John Cena has apparently told WWE that he won't be performing at the event which makes a spot vacant for the World Cup tournament at Crown Jewel. Cena being advertised as a RAW Superstar, a RAW Superstar must replace him in the tournament if WWE could not manage to bring him on board.

John Cena's absence would certainly hurt the show, not only as a performer but also with star power that he brings on the table. It would be quite difficult to replace a superstar like Cena but here are the 5 superstars who can fill the vacant spot at the World Cup.

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#5 Bobby Lashley

Lashley could fill up the Nostalgia quotient, being a superstar from the past

Bobby Lashley is also a Superstar that belonged to the era of the past. He made a name for himself during his first run with the company, being involved in high profile matches like the Battle of the Billionaires.

Ever since Lashley turned heel, he has looked as a legitimate monster who is on a path of destruction but has nothing to boast off. A tournament win would do wonders for him, making him a credible contender for any of the singles titles.

#4 Drew McIntyre

In the absence of Reigns, McIntyre's push would be rushed to establish him as the next top guy

The former NXT champion has been in the thick of things ever since he came back to the main roster for his second run with the company. He was paired alongside Dolph Ziggler during his arrival, with whom he won the RAW tag team championships. He then went on to join Braun Strowman to form the Dogs of War, which recently broke up with McIntyre slaying the monster with the claymore kick.

As Drew and Dolph have lost their tag titles last night at RAW after Braun Strowman interfered in the match, Drew McIntyre has nothing left to associate himself with Ziggler any further and he could go on his own path of Monster hunting.

It is clear that he is not afraid of the 'Monster Among Men' Braun Strowman and would continue his rivalry after the Crown Jewel event for the Universal championship. Winning the tournament would put him right in front of the line for the top prize of RAW.

#3 Dean Ambrose

Dean turned heel, officially ending the Shield

Dean Ambrose returned to the WWE TV after being sidelined due to an injury during the last Shield reunion. After the Shield reunited again, they went to war with the Dogs of War.

Among the Shield members, Dean was the only one without a title and there was frustration building up. Ambrose showed signs of turning heel and betraying the group but did not pull the trigger.

Last night, Roman Reigns came out to deliver one of the most heart felt promos informing the WWE universe of his illness and that he has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Reigns then relinquished his title and reunited with his brothers for the last time on his way back.

After the segment, nobody expected Ambrose to turn heel, and this thought grew stronger when they won the RAW tag team championships from Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. Ambrose chose the right moment to turn heel, when nobody expected it.

Dean could qualify for the vacant spot at the World cup and could carry on with his feud with Seth Rollins during the one night tournament.

#2 Elias

Elias turned face last night on RAW

Elias was one of those unique list of superstars who went to become a much bigger star on the main roster than they were at the developmental territory of NXT. Elias has slowly and steadly evolved himself from the drifter gimmick to a performance artist during his time on the main roster.

Elias has proven himself worthy to contend for the championships with his abilities in the ring and also with his control over the crowd. He keeps them on his fingers, milking out the reactions whenever he wants them to. He has a general likability in his persona which makes his segments one of the mainstays of RAW.

Elias recently turned face when he slammed his guitar on Constable Corbin, when he tried to cancel his segment. A qualifying match against Corbin could see him fill the vacant spot at the World cup and could build his feud further with the Constable of RAW.

#1 Demon Balor

The Demon King would be a great addition to the World cup

Finn Balor has been lingering on the roster without any direction, and has to contend with accompanying Bayley because of the Mix Match Challenge. With Evolution pay per view in a few days, Bayley too has moved on to her feud with the Riott squad. While Balor started a mini feud with Bobby Lashley.

Lashley has been booked as an unstopable monster and was expected to squash Finn Balor, but a change of events saw Balor pick a win via roll up, which left everybody scratching their heads.

A win for Balor may be an indication that he would be joining the tournament for the vacant spot but what really would be surprising is if he unleashes his Demon persona. Whatever Vince might think of Balor's size and stature, but he truly admires the Demon King.

Demon Balor has the amount of star power that can fill the void left by John Cena and seeing how much the avatar is protected, the Demon King could become the king of the tournament and win the whole thing, much to the delight of the WWE universe.

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