WWE: Why John Cena Deserves a Break

Let's make one thing clear: Over the last decade, few wrestlers in WWE have worked more tirelessly for the company than John Cena. The 35-year-old takes the term "Company Man" to a whole new level.

Whether it's willingly going on grueling and exhausting PR trips, throwing himself into numerous charity events and functions or working a heavy road schedule, Cena has done it all for the promotion. Taking it all smoothly in his stride, you will never hear him complain or quibble about not getting enough time off or being over-worked.

Hey, when he says on Raw that WWE is his life, he's really not kidding.

However, while Cena's graciousness and easy-going nature is a refreshing contrast with some famous names of the past who did grow massive egos, become demanding and start behaving outrageously, it also means that Cena will most likely refrain from asking for time off now—even though he really should.

For one thing, his personal life is in a state of disarray. As has been widely publicized, Cena is currently divorcing Liz Huberdeau, his wife of three years.

No doubt Cena was hoping for an amicable, quiet split from his high school sweetheart. Alas, recent events strongly indicate this will not be the case. First of all, Liz has hired Raymond Rafool, a Florida-based attorney whom Linda Hogan hired back in 2007 for her notoriously-nasty divorce from Hulk Hogan.

In another development that likely doesn't bode well, Mrs. Cena asked a judge last week to throw out her husband's initial divorce petition on some technicalities, forcing the star to re-file, or possibly reconsider the entire split.

Factor in ominous reports that there are strong rumors swirling around the company about how the expectation is that the divorce is going to get "ugly and fast," and it strongly appears Cena is going to be in for a tough time in the new few months.

This is why it's the perfect time for him to take some time out. A difficult, venomous divorce is a hard enough thing to go through, never mind having it splashed over TMZ and a wide array of other gossip sites for the world to see.

Some would perhaps argue that being in WWE will keep him busy and provide a much-needed distraction from his fractured personal life, but in this situation I think it will just exacerbate the problem: What could be harder than being forced to go out on television, slap a big smile on your face, tell one rotten joke after another and pretend everything is fantastic, when it's clearly not and everyone knows it?

In my humble opinion, the former WWE Champion needs to take some time away to deal with this personal matter properly, so he can eventually put it behind him and move on with his life.

Throw in the reports about Cena currently battling numerous nagging injuries and ailments, and time off continues to look like a very good idea. The man needs a break for a few months, both physically and emotionally.

Of course, as noted, due to his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to the company, Cena probably isn't willing to ask for time away himself. This means WWE will have to step in and force him to spend some time on the bench, although whether or not they will is another matter entirely.

Cena is still their biggest star, by far. Neither Sheamus nor CM Punk, who have been groomed by WWE to be their top babyfaces, have taken off as hoped. The sad fact is, as the company faces stagnant ratings, falling buyrates, a floundering on-screen product and a new three-hour Raw format in July, he is more desperately needed than ever.

Regardless, it might be time for the company to step in and instruct Cena to take some time off—for his own good. I'm not saying it will be easy, but if WWE genuinely want to look out for their top star, it is truly the right thing to do.