WrestleMania 28: The Rock's Victory over John Cena Must Lead to Major Changes

Disgruntled members of the WWE Universe were hoping the WrestleMania main event between The Rock and John Cena would lead to an immediate gimmick shift for Cena. That didn't happen, but Rocky's victory must be the start of a significant change.

The company tried to throw fans off the scent by having Cena give a lame congratulatory speech on RAW before getting an F5 from Brock Lesnar. It was a subtle message that even though Cena doesn't want to change, he'll have no choice if he keeps getting run over.

There are risks involved due to the superstar's appeal to the younger audience, but the creative team understands they have the ultimate playing card available. Allowing Cena to turn heel would be the biggest storyline in a long time.

It's going to be a gradual process, however. The WWE can't risk making the transition too quickly because the full effect wouldn't be felt.

The change started during Cena's feud with Kane. Even though he was eventually able to rise above the hate, it took a prolonged battle before he came out on top. His WrestleMania loss to The Rock was simply the next step in the process.

Slowly, but surely, he's being torn down in order to head in a different direction. The only question that remains is how far the company will go with it. Are they going to make him a top heel or just change his approach slightly? It's too early to tell.

He can't remain the same guy he's been for the past couple years, though. Not only would that continue to make die-hard fans mad, but it would mean the entire one-year feud with The Rock was a waste. If that didn't lead to a Cena change, there won't be a lasting impact.

So many resources were poured into the storyline that it would be a disappointment for everybody involved if all it led to was one or two big buyrates. It should be something that boosts the company for an extended period of time.

For that to happen, however, something major must be in the works for Cena. The groundwork has been laid over the past few months, and now they must capitalize on it. Lesnar seems like the most likely candidate to push Cena closer to the brink.

Ultimately, the best-case scenario would be turning Cena into a dominant heel before next year's WrestleMania and have him attempt to end Undertaker's undefeated streak. He's off to a good start, but there's obviously a long way to go.

The WWE can't afford to let such an awesome opportunity slip away. Without a change to Cena's gimmick, the feud will never reach its full potential. The next couple months will be key, even though The Rock won't be around to witness them.