WWE Already Picked John Cena’s Successor

Long before John Cena retired, WWE had already named a wrestler to fill his shoes at the top.

At the time, Cody Rhodes was an integral part of All Elite Wrestling after playing a massive role in setting up the rival promotion in 2019.

After his contract expired, he quit the Florida promotion in 2022, setting himself on a path to return to his former employer.

However, this time around, he was more mature and powerful enough to demand a main event spot, something the Stamford-based company obliged with.

He made his much-anticipated return at WrestleMania 38, where he faced Seth Rollins after being revealed as the latter’s mystery opponent.

Since then, he has been featured in high-profile rivalries with the likes of Rollins, Drew McIntyre, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns.

He is a two-time Undisputed WWE Champion, currently in his second run as the title-holder.

Cody Rhodes Was Modeled To Be John Cena’s Successor In WWE

Cody Rhodes made the best decision for himself by leaving WWE in 2016 amid creative frustrations.

It allowed him to explore the independent circuit, as he appeared in Ring of Honor, Total Nonstop Action, and New Japan Pro Wrestling before contributing to setting up AEW.

Seth Rollins recently lifted the lid on WWE choosing Rhodes as John Cena’s successor during an appearance on the Games with Names podcast.

He had done his due diligence while he was gone to get himself to a position where when we brought him back, he was ready to be kind of the one of the top acts in the company… When he did leave, he was not that guy. And Top Brass didn’t see him as that guy. So he was coming back in a position where hopefully they were hoping that they could groom him to be in the John Cena position. And so he was more than excited to get back in the ring with me.

Also read: Cody Rhodes Reveals Best Advice John Cena Gave Him