WWE: Who Will Eventually Take John Cena's Spot at the Top of the Company?

Somewhere out there is the next top star. The future of WWE, the man who will carry the banner that John Cena, and to some extent, Randy Orton, now share. He will be young, he will be strong, and he will be a newer spin on an older tradition.

The proverbial torch will eventually be passed. But, to whom?

It seems impossible at times to imagine WWE in the future. Perhaps the biggest reason for this is the lengthy amount of time that Cena has been at, or near, the top of the company.

As we all know, he is often compared to Hulk Hogan, especially when it comes to his domination over everyone on the roster.

As with the Hogan era of WWE, it was difficult then to see the company at a later date, during a different era that would not revolve around him. Fans had been overwhelmed for so long, with Hogan’s run at the top, that it became all we knew.

WWE without Hulk Hogan? That was like the NWA without Ric Flair.

While for me, that is where the similarities between the two men end, the day did come when both companies had to move on and look to the future. In Flair’s case, WCW grew from Jim Crockett’s old territory, and he called that company home for a good many years after his first run with WWE.

Hogan, of course, left WWE for WCW, the Monday night war began, and the rest is pro wrestling history.

Right now, John Cena is synonymous with WWE. One seemingly does not exist without the other. Their commitment to him is obvious, his loyalty to his company unshakable.

But, yes, as history has proven time and again, nothing in the business lasts forever. One day, John Cena will wrestle his final match in WWE. And when that day comes, who will be the man groomed to take his spot?

The Superstars that Vince McMahon has to choose from are a talented bunch, and the truth is, any one of them is a viable possibility.

-Cody Rhodes. Second generation star, has the gimmick, has the ability, seemingly has everything it takes to be a real star in the company.

-Wade Barrett. This guy is physically and mentally built for the business. He has the look of a classic heel, yet has the ability, if utilized correctly, to get over as a face as well.

-John Morrison. Debate has raged for a long time now as to whether he can carry the load of being a main event star in WWE. But, with enough time and work, he may very well be the one to take the mantle.

-Dolph Ziggler. No one cared about him in the Spirit Squad, but after a name change, new look and new attitude, Dolph is an Internet favorite. He has skill and ability, perhaps all he needs is the right moment to make it happen.

These are only four examples of the talent that WWE currently has to choose from. Do one of these men have what it takes?

Perhaps the heir apparent is not sitting in a WWE locker room right now. Perhaps he’s in Florida, training to get his shot.

Tough Enough winner Andy Leavine has the opportunity of a lifetime in the one wrestling promotion that can make him a household name. He entered the company as an unknown commodity with some promise. He may very well end his career one day as one of the greatest of all time.

What are the chances that the future of WWE is not currently employed by the company at all? What if that person works for TNA? Maybe even Ring Of Honor?

For that matter, what if the guy has not even been born yet? Hey, be honest, do you see John Cena leaving the top anytime soon?

Sarcasm aside, we as fans, while we may grow tired of the status quo in the business, all understand that it comes and goes in cycles.

The era of Hogan, Randy Savage and Ultimate Warrior gave way to Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold. Eventually, the newer stars were embraced by fans, and the company grew.

Now, we are faced with the John Cena/Randy Orton show, and we either love what we’re seeing, or we long for something more. We hope better things are on the horizon.

He’s out there somewhere. And when we’re all knee deep in his era, we will no doubt be wondering, when will it end, and who’s next?

The cycle continues.