Examining Potential WrestleMania 31 Opponents for John Cena

As WWE heads into WrestleMania season, a big question mark appears to be hanging over John Cena's foe at the event. 

He is, of course, due a title shot for Brock Lesnar's WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but it's unlikely we'll see the company drag that out until March. There's not terribly much interest in yet another Cena-Lesnar bout; the two have already faced off on pay-per-view three times since 2012.

Besides, Cena has many more tantalizing options.

Sting's name comes to mind. According to F4Wonline (h/t WrestlingInc.com), the WCW legend has reportedly been in talks for a match at the Santa Clara event on March 29, 2015. At the age of 55, he doesn't have too many matches left and, unsurprisingly, would like to bow out on top.

The Undertaker's name has been thrown around by many fans, but really, the true potential may be in Sting vs. Cena. Certainly the 12 Rounds actor has a better shot of getting a good match out of Sting than the beat-up and ailing Undertaker does.

Credit: WWE.com

If booked correctly, Sting vs. Cena could be a great and legendary bout—and something WWE could build the card around. You would have two of wrestling's most well-known babyfaces clashing in the ring for the first time, something that would surely get current fans excited.

You might even garner interest from lapsed '90s fans—who grew up watching Sting, then lost interest in the business after WCW folded in 2001—coming back to wrestling.

There are other candidates for the spot, though.

Seth Rollins is also a potential challenger for Cena at the blockbuster event at Levi's Stadium, especially given how much WWE has teased problems between the pair over the past few months. Those two really do need to settle their problems once and for all.

Credit: WWE.com

Granted, the former Ring of Honor performer doesn't quite have Sting's star power or appeal, but a Rollins vs. Cena match at WrestleMania 31 could work, provided of course the company is willing to have the younger wrestler go over.

At this past WrestleMania, the writers scripted Bray Wyatt to lose to Cena, and his career has arguably yet to recover. So, really, Rollins would have to win their match. It's the only smart option.

Another intriguing idea: Rusev has been steadily climbing up the card since he debuted for the company earlier this year. In fact, he’s pretty much stormed through every hurdle in his path. He also won the United States Championship from Sheamus on Monday.

Thankfully, Rusev has performed splendidly and justified his push. His gimmick is rather cartoonish, but he just about makes it work. Lana, the Bulgarian Brute's valet, has also emerged recently, thanks to her being one of the better talkers in the business right now.

A Cena-Rusev showdown, with Cena playing the role of the pure and good patriotic babyface, seems likely at some point. WrestleMania 31 would be a great platform for their clash.

Again though, the newer star going over would be the ideal option. Cena doesn’t need the win.

When WrestleMania 31 rolls around, WWE writers actually have a few options for their top star.

Indeed, it will be very compelling to see what direction they decide to go with him. A Sting-Cena match would likely draw huge and be a big spectacle. But on the other hand, there is more potential to create a new star with either Rollins or Rusev.

It just depends where the company’s priorities are when picking Cena's challenger.