John Cena is one of the most respected names in the world of pro-wrestling. The Cenation Leader was one of the most popular names in the company during his prime years and still remains a fan-favorite star. Even though he’s no longer a full-time worker, Cena is still a huge draw among fans, and it showcases his legendary stature.
The 47-year-old veteran’s popularity is a result of his dedication to the industry, and that’s why he has been able to become a 16-time WWE Champion. Cena made his debut in June 2002, and has completed for more than two decades in the Stamford-based promotion, but despite this, he still wasn’t able to feud with a lot of prominent WWE superstars.
Even though he had legendary rivalries with superstars like The Rock, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, Triple H, CM Punk, and Roman Reigns, he wasn’t able to have feuds with some of the biggest names from the biggest wrestling promotion in the world. So, here’s a list of three legends who could not have a feud with Cena in his 22-year-long career.
3. The Undertaker
You might be surprised to see this name on the list, as John Cena vs. The Undertaker is a match that has happened in WWE. But the thing that puts Taker as one of the legends who could not have a rivalry with The Cenation Leader is that they never had a full-fledged feud despite being in the company for such a long time.
In the early years of Cena’s career, The Phenom fought Cena a few times during weekly TV shows. And their biggest match together took place when Taker was already beyond his best days inside the ring, as they had a one-on-one fight at WrestleMania 34. Even though they got to have a match at The Grandest Stage of Them All, it left fans disappointed.
As a desperate John Cena kept calling out Taker for a match for weeks, the veteran showed up at WrestleMania. But their match was not really up to par, as The Phenom’s ring rustiness was clearly visible. Morever, the way this bout turned out to be, it’s safe to say that not having a worthy feud with The Undertaker is a missing block from the 16-time WWE Champion’s legendary wrestling career.
2. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The next name on this list is none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin, because The Texas Rattlesnake has been one of the biggest superstars in WWE. Austin still holds a special place in the hearts of pro wrestling fans, and having him feud with John Cena would have been extremely special due to the fan wars between the admirers of these professional wrestlers.
When John made his debut in the company, Stone Cold was already in the final phase of his career, and that’s probably the reason why they never crossed paths inside the ring. Even though Steve Austin made a return to in-ring competition at WrestleMania 38, it was probably just a one-off thing, and he’s still officially retired from pro-wrestling.
On the other hand, John Cena is also not getting any younger, and it’s been a long time since he had a great showing in any feud. With the chances of this rivalry becoming a reality at their lowest now, it’s safe to say that this is one of the biggest missed opportunities in professional wrestling history. Amid this, Austin is surely one of the legends John should have feuded with in the WWE.
1. Cody Rhodes
This might not be the most popular opinion among the WWE Universe, but it could have been a generational rivalry. The crowd support Cody Rhodes has received in recent years is absolutely incredible, and that’s why many believe that he’s the next John Cena. And this could be the spark that leads to a feud between The Cenation Leader and The American Nightmare.
As the 16-time WWE Champion has given his all to the Triple H-led promotion, Cody taking his place could be something he doesn’t like, and that leads these two into one of the most interesting storylines ever. But, as Cena has lost to Solo Sikoa and Austin Theory in recent years, Triple H may not be interested in having Rhodes get involved in a feud with John.
Also, as The American Nightmare is already a megastar among the audience, using Cena to push him is probably not what the Stamford-based promotion wants. But if these two had gotten the opportunity to go up against each other, it would have been spectacular. With the chances of their feud close to none, it’s safe to say that it is another worthy feud that John Cena missed despite being with the promotion for over 22 years.