Forecasting John Cena's Schedule with WWE in 2023

John Cena has wrestled at least one match on WWE television during every calendar year since he debuted in 2002, but he only managed to keep that streak going by getting in a SmackDown match under the wire at the end of last year.

While the 45-year-old is still largely associated with WWE by most fans, he has mostly moved on to the next phase of his life. But he still clearly loves to get in front of a crowd and mix it up inside the ring when his schedule allows.

With Peacemaker getting a second season and more films on the horizon, there is a good chance we only see Cena in WWE a few times in 2023, if at all. He is in demand in Hollywood and probably enjoys not having to take bumps multiple times a week.

A star of his caliber will typically be saved for big events, so forecasting his potential WWE appearances for the year ahead is relatively easy.

The Men's Royal Rumble Match

The Royal Rumble is a great place for a part-time Superstar to make an appearance because it doesn't require them to endure the rigors of a normal match.

All somebody has to do is come out to get that pop, work a few minutes and then find themselves eliminated by an enterprising young star looking to make a name for themselves.

Cena would be a great addition to the 2023 men's Rumble contest because he is still popular enough to garner a great reaction but not in a position to win and take a spot that should be reserved for someone who can capitalize on the push.

Having him announced ahead of time may help put some butts in seats, but having him show up as a surprise entrant would create a more enjoyable moment for fans in attendance and those watching at home.

WrestleMania 39

When it comes to wrestling events, nothing comes close to having the prestige and grandeur of WrestleMania. For most people in this business, performing at the WWE showpiece is at the top of their bucket list.

Cena has been fortunate enough to not only appear at several 'Manias, but he has also headlined the show multiple times. Needless to say, he has lived the dream and then some.

Right now, the one person on the roster who seems the most determined to have a showdown with The Leader of the Cenation is Austin Theory. The United States champion has a big chip on his shoulder and wants to prove himself against someone who has been called the best, and he has dropped Cena's name more than once.

Having him defend the U.S. title against Cena and somehow retain the belt would be a career highlight for the 25-year-old. Many can claim they hold a victory over the 16-time world champion, but only a select few can say they have beaten him on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

If WWE really wants to push Theory, this is how to do it. If Cena is available and willing to put him over, it's a no-brainer, especially since the U.S. title was the first belt The Champ held in WWE.

SummerSlam

Not only has Cena appeared at an astounding 15 SummerSlam events, but he has also mostly been booked to put others over at the annual pay-per-view.

His record stands at 5-10, so he has lost twice as many times as he has won. If WWE was going to use him to put over somebody like Theory or another young star, this is the place to do it.

If this is where Cena ends up appearing in 2023, WWE would likely build it slowly because there would be a significant amount of time to craft a story between now and then, especially if he agrees to a match several months in advance.

SummerSlam is almost a secondary WrestleMania, as WWE puts a lot of effort into promoting the show, which usually lasts longer than the average PPV and tends to take place in a stadium.

With most of Cena's biggest rivals being retired or working part-time schedules, the only decent option would be to pair him with somebody who will benefit just from being in the same ring as somebody with his star power.

Other Possibilities

Cena's sole match in 2022 came on an episode of SmackDown, so it's possible WWE will use him to boost ratings for a special TV edition rather than at a PPV.

The Raw 30th-anniversary show is coming up soon and the post-WrestleMania episode of the red brand is always newsworthy, so those are real options for the veteran.

Ultimately, the ball is in the Hollywood star's court. He is not obligated to wrestle anymore, so anything he does in the ring from this point forward will be because he wants to do it.

Where do you think Cena will show up in 2023?