4 ways Triple H can surprise WWE fans during John Cena's retirement tour
Triple H has a tall task ahead as he books John Cena's farewell tour, which is expected to last throughout the upcoming year. The Champ has been confirmed for massive PLEs like Royal Rumble 2025 and WrestleMania 41.
The 16-time World Champion is one of the most revered and renowned figures in the entertainment industry. Hunter has to do justice to Cena's career, his legacy, and the Cenation.
The general perception of Triple H's creative decisions has been positive, but some questions have come up regarding Cena's booking. The Champ's singles match losing streak has grown in the Paul Levesque era. Nevertheless, the Cenation expects Hunter to book an incredible retirement tour.
Surprises will help elevate the quality of Cena's final run, and here are four that Triple H could have up his sleeve.
#4. John Cena may return as The Doctor of Thuganomics
WWE RAW will debut on Netflix in January 2025. This is a move away from child-friendly programming to more adult-centred themes. Hunter has given the locker room more freedom with their characters and promos too.
All these recent changes could make room for John Cena to revive The Doctor of Thuganomics, who last made a public appearance at WrestleMania 35 to confront Elias. The persona saved Cena's career, built a solid connection with the fans, and established him as a legitimate character.
The Doctor of Thuganomics is a departure from Cena's traditional babyface character. The heel-babyface dynamic would be blurred, leading to intriguing possibilities.
#3. The WWE Universe could choose Cena's opponents online
A safe option for Triple H is to hand the decisions over to the WWE Universe, giving the power where it truly lies. Rather than using social media's general perception as an indicator, the WWE App could be used to run polls.
The polls could determine Cena's challengers for minor PLEs or episodic television. The WWE App was used for similar purposes in the past, and it would be refreshing to see a revival of the same.
This gives the fans what they want as Hunter has essentially handed the creative decisions over to the Cenation.
#2. Selected AEW talent could be allowed to wrestle John Cena on WWE programming
The Forbidden Door has been broken in the Triple H Era. Shinsuke Nakamura infamously competed in Japan under a WWE contract.
However, things tend to get complicated when AEW is brought into the fold. A majority of WWE's top stars have jumped ship to Tony Khan's promotion, making it a legitimate threat to the Stamford-based entertainment juggernaut.
Nonetheless, John Cena is a larger-than-life superstar, and many of his greatest rivals are contracted to AEW. It would be worth the effort for Triple H to reach a deal with his rival promotion to allow a handful of veterans to wrestle on WWE programming for a few dates.
Edge, Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho, and Daniel Bryan have all battled Cena over the years. Fans would love to see rematches. If Hunter could reach an agreement with AEW, he could create history and give the fans a legitimate surprise.
#1. Triple H could turn John Cena heel
During the height of the PG Era, fans clamored for a John Cena heel turn. The Champ's character was growing stale, and a change was needed. WWE had several opportunities, but Cena remained a pure babyface in his prime.
However, Triple H could pull a genuine swerve by booking a heel turn in the final months of his illustrious career. Cena has not won a singles match since April 2018; he is also one world title away from breaking Ric Flair's record. Furthermore, his time in the ring is limited.
The frustrations could boil over control and Cena could turn to the dark side to realize his goals. The major problem is that a heel turn could be rejected by the Cenation. The 16-time World Champion is riding on a wave of positive energy and emotion.
Fans may not be willing to boo him anymore and will likely enjoy the last months of his in-ring career watching him wrestle by his motto of hustle, loyalty, and respect.