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For the last 15 years, John Cena has been the undeniable face of WWE. From merchandise to selling out shows to the fanbase, Cena's dominance over the company has been second to none. After winning 16 World Championships, headlining countless pay-per-views, and reigning supremacy all over the world, "The Champ" is in the later stages of his in-ring career, and with his Hollywood schedule, he might not have many years to serve in WWE.
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With an influx of young talent, WWE has no shortage of superstars who are more than capable to become the new babyface sensation. From cutting passionate promos to selling merchandise, a couple of new wrestlers are starting to take over as hot candidates to replace John Cena as the poster boy of the promotion.
Let's take a look at four such possible performers who, if booked appropriately, can take WWE by storm as the rightful heir to the Cenation Leader.
Honourable Mention: Luke Harper
#4 Kofi Kingston
Remember the time when Kofi Kingston was gradually climbing up the ladder to become the top babyface of WWE? Feuds with Randy Ordon, Chris Jericho, and Dolph Ziggler helped Kingston become a beloved "face" amongst the WWE Universe.
Eventually, the push ended and Kofi dropped down to the mid-card status. The New Day is one of the most exciting teams on the roster today, but what Kofi needs is a singles push. He's been with the company for around ten years and deserves at least one WWE Championship run.
With supreme in-ring abilities and undeniable charisma, Kofi Kingston is one of the brightest prospects for selling out shows, provided the creative books him right.
#3 Chad Gable
Chad Gable is one of the most technically gifted wrestlers in WWE today. After representing the US in the Summer Olympics in 2012, Gable signed with the company next year and became a tag-team specialist with Jason Jordan as part of the American Alpha and later with Shelton Benjamin on SmackDown Live.
After getting drafted to RAW, Gable has gone solo, with this move being a blessing in disguise. A babyface push with a little more mic time is the need of the hour for him. With superior in-ring abilities, Gable is one of the hottest prospects in WWE, and if booked to his potential, he can become one of the most adored and marvellous babyface wrestlers in years to come.
#2 Johnny Gargano
Today, NXT as a brand is probably hotter than both RAW and SmackDown Live. And a big reason behind this feat is arguably the most beloved wrestler in WWE currently, Johnny Gargano. After putting on quality matches against Andrade "Cien" Almas and Tommaso Ciampa, Gargano has become the poster boy of the promotion.
At just 30, Gargano is in his prime, and his main-roster debut is surely anticipated by wrestling fans worldwide. A complete package with unparalleled storytelling, in-ring work, incredible selling, and bringing out the best of his opponents, "Johnny Wrestling" is a great replacement to the legacy that John Cena has created and successfully carried on over the years.
One of the last true white meat babyfaces in the wrestling business today, Johnny Gargano has excelled in every feud and platform he has been on, and if WWE decides to up the ante and put him on the main-event scene, there is no doubt that Gargano has a bright future ahead.
#1 Sami Zayn
Possibly the easiest of them all, Sami Zayn is one of the best talents in WWE today. A career which started with him portraying a passionate babyface performer has seen different layers of him, all of which he has depicted with utmost conviction.
His current run as a heel has not fetched him the same recognition that his first run did. The creative has been running out of options for him, and a shoulder injury has rendered him out of action until 2019.
With a return projected as early as January 2019, Sami Zayn is the perfect replacement for John Cena. The kind of pops he generates, the amount of fan support he gets, and the promos he cuts as an innocent babyface are all indicative of an excellent alternative to the "Cenation Leader."
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