John Cena’s long-standing role in WWE appears to be winding down as Logan Paul positions himself to take over the leadership within the company’s locker room. Their relationship, once cooperative when they teamed up recently at Money In The Bank, has shifted to rivalry heading into their match at Clash In Paris. Logan Paul sees this as his moment to surpass Cena not only in the ring but as a leading figure backstage.
The two wrestlers last joined forces in a losing effort against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. Since then, Cena’s character has turned babyface, culminating with him losing the Undisputed WWE Championship back to Rhodes. Following that defeat at SummerSlam, Brock Lesnar attacked Cena, prompting Cena to issue a challenge to Lesnar on SmackDown. Logan Paul then responded with his own challenge to Cena, declaring their match would be a major event. WWE officially confirmed that Cena will face Paul at Clash In Paris, with Cena’s anticipated bout against Lesnar scheduled for Wrestlepalooza on September 20.
Logan Paul’s Ambition to Succeed Cena as Locker Room Leader
On his Impaulsive podcast, Logan Paul discussed how much he has learned from Cena, both inside and outside the ring, and expressed his desire to surpass him. Paul emphasized that being a locker room leader includes earning the respect of every member of the crew and serving as the company’s public face, roles Cena has embodied for over two decades. Paul firmly believes he can fill that role, using everything he has learned from Cena to prove himself in all aspects of wrestling.
“John Cena is the greatest of all time. For now. I intend to be the greatest of all time, if not one of the greatest of all time. I want my name thrown in the hat. A way to do that is to go toe-to-toe with John Cena in every facet of wrestling. That’s on the mic, that’s in the ring, that’s even backstage interacting with people — there’s a real thing when it comes to being a locker room leader. The guy who leads the company and is the face of the company is respectful to everyone in the crew, to everyone that makes this well-oiled machine work. John Cena has been that guy for 20-25 years, and I fully believe I have the capacity to do all of that. I’ve taken my notes, I’ve learned from him. He’s the master. I got to tag team with him and learn from him, but now I’m going to use the things he taught me to beat his f*cking ass in front of everyone in Paris. The fact that I get to wrestle him in France in front of the entire world as an outsider — go f*ck yourself, I’m not an outsider, I belong here, and I intend to show everyone that in Paris.”
Paul’s words underline his confidence in challenging Cena’s legacy and his claim to a more prominent role both on-screen and behind the scenes, particularly as John Cena’s influence fades.
John Cena’s Response to Logan Paul’s Challenge
In an interview, John Cena described Logan Paul as “unlikeable” but acknowledged that Paul should not be underestimated in their upcoming Paris match. Cena suggested that Paul’s status as a threat has been overlooked by some fans within WWE, highlighting the intensity brewing between the two competitors. The dynamic between them has evolved from cooperation to confrontation, setting the stage for a high-profile showdown that will have implications for WWE’s future hierarchy.
Upcoming WWE Events and Related News
Aside from the Cena-Paul rivalry, WWE fans are looking ahead to several other significant developments. A late injury replacement altered the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event lineup, and Roman Reigns is set to face Bronson Reed in a singles match at Clash In Paris, adding further excitement to the event.
Trish Stratus, WWE Hall of Famer, recently shared news of a personal loss, eliciting condolences from the wrestling community. WWE has also announced that Saturday Night’s Main Event will return in November, confirming the date and location for this anticipated special.
Will Ospreay has spoken openly about needing corrective neck surgery following his performance at Forbidden Door, shedding light on the physical toll wrestling exacts. Meanwhile, speculation continues around a controversial ex-WWE champion who may never return to WWE due to a personal feud with CM Punk.
A former WWE star, known for holding the Hardcore Championship seven times, has publicly stated reasons for why he will never enter the Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, Mercedes Mone dismissed WWE’s counter-programming efforts, signaling her focus remains firmly on her own goals rather than the company’s strategies.
The Future Impact of Logan Paul’s Rise Within WWE
The clash between Logan Paul and John Cena at Clash In Paris is more than just a match—it symbolizes a potential shift in WWE’s leadership and the face of the company. Paul’s assertion that he intends to become the new locker room leader reflects a broader ambition to redefine the company’s future dynamics. Cena’s legacy as a respected leader both in the ring and backstage has been pivotal for WWE over the last 20 to 25 years, and Paul’s challenge threatens to eclipse that era.
What unfolds in Paris will likely influence WWE’s direction, with Paul seeking to prove he deserves the top spot both as an entertainer and as the guiding force backstage. As Cena prepares for his next match with Brock Lesnar, the transition between these two personalities inside WWE highlights the ongoing evolution of the industry’s stars and leadership.
