WWE News: John Cena and the 5 Most Important Names This WrestleMania Season

WrestleMania XXVIII figures to break box office records as the Rock returns to the ring for his first WrestleMania match in eight years.  In addition to Cena-Rock, a handful of names will contribute to a loaded card with high expectations. 

With rumblings of other big names coming from the outside world and recent returns, the WWE is going all in this WrestleMania season, forgoing an otherwise important 'Mania tradition of cementing new stars as the established stars look to do big business. 

 

5. Chris Jericho

Ratings trends suggest that despite his immense talent both in the ring and on the mic, CM Punk just doesn't move the needle the way a WWE Champion is supposed to, and while his ongoing feud has not yet lit the ratings on fire, a pending match between Jericho and Punk should be one of the most intriguing feuds on the card. 

With Cena vs. Rock the announced main event one year in advance, an expected match between CM Punk and Chris Jericho has to be considered the most likely in-ring contest to steal the show. 

4. Shaquille O'Neal

As far as box office stimulation and mainstream appeal are concerned, Shaquille O'Neal will be one of the big names that should put WrestleMania over the top. 

O'Neal announced late last year that he will appear at WrestleMania XXVIII in a match against the Big Show.  More times than not, the Big Show either seems to be forced into a WrestleMania program or placed in a wildly intriguing match a la Floyd Mayweather and Akebono. 

3. The Undertaker

The Undertaker's famed WrestleMania streak remains more important than any title in the entire WWE.  The WWE has done a better job emphasizing wins and protecting said wins with clean finishes through the year than they have with any of their young world champions—especially the heels. 

The Undertaker is expected to face Triple H for the third time in WrestleMania history; however, this match is not nearly as much about Taker's WrestleMania rivalry with Triple H as it is about his streak.

The possibility of the Undertaker going 20-0, and possibly retiring afterwards should the whole Brock Lesnar thing fail to peak his interest, will be one of the major selling points for WrestleMania. 

2. John Cena

John Cena is by far the WWE's biggest star, and his match with the Rock is enough in and of itself to make WrestleMania XXVIII a threat to break box office records. 

While Cena continues to be the consummate poster boy for the WWE, his role in April's main event is just as important as his movie star opponent. 

1. The Rock

When it's all said and done, WrestleMania XXVIII will always be remembered as the WrestleMania where the Rock returned to the ring.

It is the Rock, and his proven track record of generating significant business for the WWE, that are going to ultimately drive some strong numbers and a lot of eyeballs for WrestleMania.

John Cena may be the biggest star currently in the WWE, but the Rock is arguably the biggest star of all time. 

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