5 Times a Royal Rumble winner didn’t main event WrestleMania

#3 John Cena didn't main event WrestleMania

Why didn't John Cena main event WrestleMania after winning the Royal Rumble match?

Six months before WrestleMania 24, John Cena tore his right pectoral muscle off the bone in a match with Mr. Kennedy. Due to the extent of Cena's injury, The Franchise Player was told by his doctors he'd stay out-of-action for a very long time. Due to this, Cena relinquished the WWE Title and went on a hiatus.

Known for pulling off unbelievable recovery miracles, Cena once again defied the odds and returned in less than four-months at Royal Royal PPV. Entering at number 30 in the Men's Rumble match, The Franchise Player lasted for about 10-minutes before eliminating the only other Superstar remaining, Triple H.

Following his win, Cena was eager to get back the WWE Title that he never lost. Therefore, instead of facing the then-current title holder, Randy Orton, at WrestleMania, "The Franchise Player" fought "The Viper" at the No Way Out PPV.

Unfortunately, Cena's hopes were crushed by "The Viper" as the latter got himself disqualified by intentionally slapping the referee, keeping the WWE Title in the process.