John Cena's Hollywood Presence Will Help WWE's Transition to Next Generation

John Cena is part of an ensemble cast in the upcoming Universal Pictures' comedy Trainwreck.  The film stars Amy Schumer as a writer who lives a carefree life uninhibited by a committed relationship. Among the men that she casually dates in the movie is Cena, who portrays a character named Steven.

The film is set to release on July 17, and unlike other forays into Hollywood for WWE's top star, this time out he's part of a major studio production.  While it's a bit early to know what will happen for Cena, the fact is that an expanding presence on the big screen will help WWE transition to the next generation.

For many fans, this may signal the beginning of something that has been a long time coming; the imminent evolution of Vince McMahon's company.  It's a moment that has been talked about in fan circles for quite a while and has become more heated during the past few years.

With the increasing popularity of WWE's developmental territory NXT in play, the truth is that the future is becoming more tangible as the days go on.  Fans watch the NXT product, and they see stars like Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Finn Balor, who could all very well be leading the charge over the next 10 years.

But in order for that to happen, then the man who has been on top for the past 10 years will need to begin moving aside.

Cena has been hated for many things during the course of his run atop WWE.  From his gimmick, to his silly jokes, to his continued reign over a company full of dynamic characters while his remains static, Cena has incurred the wrath of fans for a long time.  The perception that many have is that he refuses to change and that WWE is no hurry to change him either.

And standing still does not equal evolution of any kind.

However, there may now be a way around this issue.  If Cena gets good reviews for this film and if the mainstream movie-going audience decides they want more of him, then he could begin a real career in Hollywood.  This would allow WWE to move forward with the next wave of stars while still keeping Cena in the spotlight, only in a reduced role.

credit: wwe.com

Cena is not changing; that much seems to be certain.  So if that is not in the cards, then WWE should just change around him.  Allowing him to flex his acting muscles is perhaps the best way to do that.  

Being on that stage may be new for Cena, but that does not mean he cannot be successful at it.  The very traits that many fans despise about him in WWE are the same ones that could get him noticed in Hollywood.

He has a very likable face, he has a great attitude, he's very positive and he's physically built to take on an army.  He is one part comedy and one part action, two things that could make for a major Hollywood star.  He's already been seen on TV shows like Parks and Recreation; an extended career on the big screen may be the next step.

And for anyone who may laugh at that notion, The Rock's movie career must be acknowledged.

credit: wwe.com

How many WWE fans truly thought that The People's Champion would make the splash that he has on the big screen?  How many actually knew that he would be successful and rise to the top, leaving his full-time WWE career behind him?  

How many fans laughed at the notion and said that he would fall flat on his face?

The fact is that Rocky's time to go would have come eventually.  No main event star can stay for an eternity at the top of WWE.  He was loved and respected for what he did for that company, but at the end of the day, he knew the time to move on was on the horizon, so he did just that.

The Rock and Cena are obviously two different people, with two different backgrounds and talent sets.  Just because Rocky made it does not necessarily mean that Cena will.  But if this new role gets enough attention and if Cena gets some traction, then fans could see the first steps of WWE moving into the next phase.  

The rising stars of NXT and the current stars on the main roster are all following the lead of Cena.  The top spot will not open up until he moves aside, and that will not happen unless WWE can find a way to still feature him yet do it with other talents coming up around him.  Cena beginning a Hollywood career is perhaps the only way to make that a reality.