A record-setting Champion, second-generation juggernaut - 5 WWE stars John Cena can pass the torch to
John Cena's Money in the Bank announcement claiming he'd retire from WWE after WrestleMania 41 sent shockwaves around the world. While he was first known as just a Superstar, casual and non-wrestling fans are familiar with him due to his pivot to Hollywood.
While Roman Reigns has usurped Cena's top spot in the industry over the last decade, John Cena is still considered one of the names who brought WWE to where it is today.
With such talented rosters on RAW, SmackDown and NXT, WWE is in a prime position to maintain its success for years. John Cena could pass the torch to any of the next five stars who could carry the company for the next decade.
(Note: Cena could pass the torch to both Austin Theory or Solo Sikoa but he put both over within the last two years. Theory beat him at WrestleMania 39 while Sikoa bested the former face of WWE at Crown Jewel last November).
#5. Carmelo Hayes came from the same independent scene as Cena
Hayes conquered NXT and was drafted to SmackDown this spring. He's competed in both the King of the Ring tournament and Money in the Bank ladder match. While unsuccessful in both endeavors, his inclusion was for a few reasons.
The first is so that he can showcase his abilities to casual fans who may not follow NXT. The second is to see how he could handle the spotlight and position of coveted spots with title shots on the line.
The former NXT Champ is smaller than John Cena but stars like Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and Daniel Bryan have shattered the myth that Superstars had to be 6 foot 5 and 260 pounds.
#4. Grayson Waller has already crossed paths with John Cena
Grayson Waller stands out from his NXT contemporaries for a few reasons. The first is that he never captured the NXT title, while Hayes, Dragunov, and Breakker did. He didn't win gold but was one of the first 2.0 stars to join the main roster.
Part of that transition is due to Waller's mic skills. He easily surpasses those aforementioned stars due to his ability to annoy the masses. Waller already planted the seeds for a Cena feud at last year's Money in the Bank in London.
The Leader of Cenation already passed the torch to Austin Theory, a star who has been compared to John Cena in the past. Waller is also like Cena in that he possesses the mic skills to hang with the best in the business.
#3. Ilja Dragunov never gives up
Dragunov was the man who took the NXT title from Carmelo Hayes. That wasn't done lightly as Hayes and Bron Breakker were positioned as the future of the company during NXT 2.0 and beyond.
He also took Gunther to the limit to the point that he won the NXT UK Championship from The Ring General. That's a huge accomplishment, especially as evidenced by Gunther's record-setting reign as Intercontinental Title.
The Mad Dragon has brought his ultra-physical style to RAW and has transitioned seamlessly to the main roster. He may not have the rocket on his back that Breakker has, but Dragunov will be main-eventing shows in the next few years.
#2. Gunther is one of WWE's top heels
John Cena played the gallant defender of the USA against former WWE star Rusev. He was likely going to do the same against Gunther but the feud never materialized.
Gunther has been booked as a future World Champion, dominating the competition on both RAW and SmackDown. The Ring General despises what Cena perfected, the art of "Sports Entertainment."
If there was a torch to be passed to a domineering heel and future main eventer next year, it'd be Gunther. It could even start as soon as SummerSlam if The Ring General defeats Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Title.
#1. Bron Breakker is already making an impact
Even though he's his childhood hero, John Cena shouldn't pass the torch to R-Truth. Instead, the writing is already on the wall for the future of Bron Breakker. He could leave Cleveland as the Intercontinental Champion if he beats Sami Zayn.
Breakker ran through NXT and the booking has continued on the main roster. He wasn't fast-tracked to a World Title due to exclusions from King of the Ring and Money in the Bank.
It seems his path will be that of domination with a moderate build as a mid-card champion. Gunther has been on the main roster for a few years and is only getting a title shot this year.
However, if Breakker is successful in Cleveland, John Cena could challenge him for the Intercontinental title in his final match at WrestleMania 40. It's the one title he never captured in his illustrious WWE career.