John Cena is set to retire from in-ring competition at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, marking the end of an era for the company. Cena’s farewell tour has been a central storyline throughout 2025, culminating in his latest victory over Logan Paul at Clash in Paris on August 31, which was Cena’s 99th win at a premium live event.
With Cena stepping away from active wrestling, the question arises: who will take on the mantle as WWE’s leading star? Sgt. Slaughter, a legendary figure in the industry, recently offered his perspective on the future of WWE’s main-event scene and highlighted Logan Paul as a potential successor.
Logan Paul’s Rise and Areas for Growth in WWE
Since entering WWE in 2022, Logan Paul has quickly adjusted to the demanding world of professional wrestling. The social media star has competed against some of WWE’s most prominent performers, including CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and John Cena himself. Among his achievements, Paul captured the United States Championship in 2023 after defeating Rey Mysterio at Crown Jewel.
Still, Sgt. Slaughter noted that Paul has room to improve, especially regarding his in-ring timing. Speaking in an interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter, Slaughter said,
“I don’t think he has too many weaknesses. He still rushes things a little bit. I would love to be there, but I know he’s got plenty of pros that are telling him what to do or how to do it, but he’s a natural. He’s been in the ring before with his brother [Jake Paul], his boxing brother, and he’s just at home. It takes a lot and a long time to make that ring your second home, so when you walk in there and you become that character, it’s night and day.”
Paul has now wrestled 24 matches in WWE, demonstrating his growth as he prepares for a more prominent role in the company’s landscape.
Sgt. Slaughter on Logan Paul’s Potential as WWE’s Next Leading Star
Sgt. Slaughter shared insights about WWE’s current lack of a clear superstar who can consistently carry the brand, aside from occasional appearances from The Rock. He expressed optimism about Logan Paul’s potential to fill the gap left by John Cena, recognizing the challenge given WWE’s evolving scene.
“If he [Logan Paul] continues, I don’t know how long he’s gonna continue, but John Cena’s leaving, he’s gonna probably be hanging up the boots,” Slaughter said. “I talked to him for a long time at the party [Vince McMahon’s 80th birthday party]. You’ve got The Rock, who makes appearances back and forth, but there’s no real superstar right now.”
This perspective highlights how significant Cena’s retirement plans are for WWE and suggests that Paul could become the company’s top babyface if he maintains his progress and adapts his character accordingly.
Looking Ahead: WWE’s Future Post-Cena
John Cena’s departure from active competition will open new opportunities for emerging talent, with Logan Paul positioned as a promising contender to lead WWE’s next chapter. As Paul continues to gain experience and refine his skills, the wrestling world will be watching to see if he can meet the expectations of carrying the company forward.
Sgt. Slaughter’s reflections underscore the importance for Paul to embrace the learning curve and develop his persona to become a central figure in WWE, filling the void left by past icons. WWE fans can expect a transitional period highlighted by rising stars seeking to step into bigger roles as the company evolves beyond Cena’s remarkable legacy.
