John Cena drew the curtains on his legendary WWE career this past Saturday and the wrestling world is filled with melancholy. His retirement has not only marked the end of an era but also left a huge void in the Stamford-based promotion. There will never be another Cena or a superstar that could ever match his level in terms of the legacy he built and the impact he created.
However, WWE needs a star that can match The Cenation Leader’s intensity, his charisma, mainstream appeal, dedication, stir the crowd, and sell tickets. Apart from the existing names, the company needs a face in the main event scene and it has a deep roster of talent to build the next era. While no one can fully replace the 17-time World Champion, few can carry the load moving forward.
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Here are three superstars who can try to replace John Cena following his retirement:
#3. Carmelo Hayes
Carmelo Hayes is one of those superstars whose potential has remained untapped on the main roster. The 31-year-old is currently in the mid-card scene but can rise to the main event picture and establish himself as a big name in the coming years. Like John Cena, who mastered promos with catchphrases and crowd engagement, Hayes exudes supreme confidence with his “HIM” persona.
His smooth delivery, swagger, and ability to connect make him a natural talker who can carry segments and build fan investment. Besides, Cena was a reliable workhorse who delivered in big matches and Melo could do the same, as he is one of WWE’s smoothest performers. The youngster also has the same ruthless aggression that The Cenation Leader debuted with.
Carmelo Hayes has the look, personality, and marketability for mainstream opportunities similar to John Cena’s Hollywood transition. If WWE builds him as a credible star on the main roster, starting with a mid-card push, the 31-year-old can actually rise to become a main-event star in the next five years, becoming the next big star from Massachusetts after Cena.
#2. Joe Hendry
Joe Hendry possesses a unique blend of skills that positions him as a potential next-generation flagship talent in the post-Cena landscape. The Cenation Leader’s departure has left WWE looking for a star who can connect with the crowd organically and electrify every arena he goes to. John Cena thrived on infectious energy, catchphrases, and turning arenas into sing-alongs.
And Joe Hendry is the perfect replacement in this sphere. His “I Believe in Joe Hendry” entrance theme has crowds worldwide chanting along. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most over phenomena in recent wrestling history, creating organic hype similar to Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” era. The 37-year-old truly has unmatched charisma and crowd connection.
The Cenation Leader was a promo wizard with humor and heart and Hendry is a trained musician who uses parody songs and witty segments to win over fans. WWE can bring The Prestigious One from NXT to the main roster now and give him a monstrous push in the main event scene. Joe Hendry could carry forward the same energy that John Cena left behind.
#1. Austin Theory can step into John Cena’s shoes
Austin Theory has long been positioned as a potential heir to that top-spot mantle, which John Cena recently stepped down from. He idolized The Franchise Player growing up and has openly cited him as his biggest inspiration. Their high-profile feud culminated at WrestleMania 39, where Theory defeated the WWE legend, grabbing a career-defining victory.
That win was meant to rocket him forward as the arrogant young gun who surpassed his idol. However, Triple H failed to capitalize on that. Although the 28-year-old has been away from WWE for several months, it marks the perfect time to bring him back. Austin Theory can join The Vision as a heel for now to eventually break out as a huge babyface organically.
The former United States Champion has everything it needs to be a mainevent star and also have mainstream appeal. He has the potential to emerge as a huge babyface representing the WWE Universe, the very fanbase John Cena adored throughout his career. While no one can truly replace Cena, Theory can carry the torch forward and become a megastar if the company builds him.
Edited by Subhasish Deb
