Hot Take: It's Clear Who John Cena's WWE WrestleMania 39 Opponent Should Be

When it comes to John Cena's WrestleMania 39 feud and opponent, an abundance of names come to mind.

But it sure feels like Austin Theory's time is now.

Six months ago this wasn't the most appetizing idea, especially as Theory floundered amid Triple H's ascent to creative control.

Right now, though, a possible passing-of-the-torch moment sure feels right.

Not too long ago, Theory was the personal project of Vince McMahon, and it turned some fans away from his potential as a prospect, especially once he was shoved near the main event scene with the Money in the Bank briefcase. But he's slowly been reintegrated into programming in prominent spots under Triple H.

Theory was green in all areas during McMahon's push, from promos to in the ring. But he's only 25, near the same promising age as AEW headliner MJF. But the whole thing just felt forced and threatened to ruin his relationship with the fanbase before it could really get started.

Over the last few months, though, Theory dropped the briefcase (a must, given the unified title situation) in a silly manner and appeared to show some character growth over the whole ordeal. He's slowly been placed smartly in near-headlining feuds while holding the U.S. title.

On one hand, WWE could merely keep this slow burn going and put him in a 'Mania feud with the likes of Seth Rollins or Bobby Lashley. But on the other, giving him the much bigger rub of clashing with Cena might be the smart play.

Theory getting to showcase his promo skills and more in a feud with one of the greatest of all time before a match in front of a massive audience would work wonders. He also just works an in-ring style that would pair well with Cena's big-hitting moves.

This feels reminiscent to the rub Cena gave to Kevin Owens all those years ago. The veteran kept throwing down open challenges for his U.S. title, and Owens held his own against Cena in his main roster debut.

Theory has a long way to go before being a modern great like Owens, who is now at a level where he is entrusted to battle "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in his first match in almost 20 years. But a similar feud and in-ring result with Cena would sure put him on the right path.

Never mind the promos would just be fun. Whether Theory is doing a foolish selfie gimmick or something else by the time 'Mania rolls around, Cena can stoop to that level of silliness but also cut very serious promos. Probable bonus points with fans too if Theory uses the platform to publicly cut off his connections to McMahon for good, rejecting the chosen-one role.

It would be foolish to suggest there aren't other stellar options for a Cena WrestleMania feud, of course. While it probably wouldn't make sense to shove him into the Roman Reigns-Bloodline situation, he could easily spar with Stone Cold in a dream match, put over another up-and-comer like Gunther or even apply this Theory idea to Cody Rhodes.

But Cena is and will always be a company guy, and all involved benefit if he gives Theory the rub. Theory was never a believable threat to pretty much anyone while holding the Money in the Bank briefcase, but that outlook all changes if he holds his own against Cena.

There's no understating how important it would be for WWE's long-term outlook to start establishing a 25-year-old powerhouse heel who remains in that role for a decade-plus.

Building the foundational blocks of Theory's career is the first step.

There isn't a more solid, lifetime foundation than a feud with Cena. That's where WWE, Theory and Cena's sights should be set for WrestleMania 39, especially with the main event scene tied up and Cena's appearances so sparse.

There is an avenue to WWE perhaps slow-building another Cena, and unlike the man's catch-phrase, everybody can see it. Will WWE?