Speculation is growing over who should dethrone John Cena as WWE champion after his Undisputed WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 41, with former rival CM Punk emerging as a leading candidate. WWE fans and insiders alike are debating whether history might repeat itself, reigniting one of wrestling’s most memorable rivalries on the biggest stage.
At WrestleMania 41, John Cena secured the Undisputed WWE Championship, signaling yet another triumph for one of wrestling’s enduring stars. Cena, often hailed as The Franchise Player and “the last real champion,” has emphasized his legacy, but WWE will eventually need a new titleholder once Cena’s tenure wraps up. Despite his impressive run and no clear challenger able to topple him yet, many believe the company will soon crown a successor from its star-studded roster.
CM Punk Emerges as a Top Contender to Unseat Cena
Among the potential superstars floated by both fans and industry analysts are well-known figures such as Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and notably, CM Punk. The discourse intensified during a recent episode of the Busted Open podcast, where wrestling veteran Bully Ray voiced his thoughts on the ideal pick for ending Cena’s title reign.
“I’m gonna say CM Punk [On who should end John Cena’s title reign]”
—Bully Ray, Wrestling Veteran
The history between CM Punk and John Cena offers rich narrative ground for WWE to revisit. Their feud, which peaked during Punk’s now-famous ‘pipe bomb’ promo in 2011, reshaped the championship scene. The rivalry reached its height at Money in the Bank 2011, where Punk’s victory over Cena for the WWE Championship shocked many fans and shifted industry expectations.
Their matches were pivotal, with CM Punk’s challenge to Cena helping to establish him as a top-tier talent in WWE. Today, both men are regarded as icons in the wrestling business. Revisiting their rivalry could offer compelling storytelling and thrill fans who remember their earlier confrontations. Such a scenario has the potential to electrify the WWE Universe, bringing new energy to both men’s legacies and the championship itself.
Industry Developments and the Future of the Championship
While the conversation about who should dethrone John Cena as WWE Champion continues, WWE is making plans on several other fronts. Industry legend Vince McMahon remains a figure of speculation, with rumors suggesting he may attempt to regain a controlling interest in WWE. Meanwhile, plans for WrestleMania 42 are reportedly nearing finalization, promising further drama and potentially a new championship narrative.
Elsewhere on the roster, WWE faces constant shifts. A notable in-ring injury recently led to a forced replacement in the Worlds Collide event, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the business. Rising stars like Roxanne Perez are making headlines as well, dealing with personal and professional challenges, such as the release of close friends from the company as she sets her sights on the Money in the Bank.
Commercially, WWE recently expanded its partnership with Slim Jim, ensuring the brand’s visibility across all major shows, including RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and WWE Premium Live Events. Recently released talents have already begun exploring opportunities elsewhere, with at least one expressing interest in joining Tony Khan’s AEW. Developments outside the ring continue to shape the backdrop against which the company’s championship plans unfold.
The Road Ahead for WWE’s Top Championship
As speculation builds around who should dethrone John Cena as WWE champion, many await WWE’s official decision, knowing the impact such a move will have on both in-ring stories and business. A renewed storyline between Cena and CM Punk is especially tantalizing, given their storied history and ability to capture the audience’s imagination. Whether WWE chooses to relive that rivalry or crown a fresh face, the outcome is certain to be closely watched by fans and insiders, potentially setting the tone for a new era at the top of the WWE mountain.
