WWE Rumors on John Cena's Heel Turn, The Rock at WrestleMania 41 and Future Draft

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

WWE 'Never Wavered' from January's Elimination Chamber Plans

In the buildup to Elimination Chamber: Toronto, a rumor surfaced about Drew McIntyre being the eventual winner of the men's Elimination Chamber match. That obviously didn't happen, with John Cena prevailing and making a heel turn to close out the show.

Bianca Belair, meanwhile, won the women's Chamber match in the curtain-raiser.

According to Ringside News, WWE finalized its plans for the premium live event well ahead of the show. With Cena, all of the involved parties set the course for his betrayal of Cody Rhodes in January.

Fightful Select reported on more of the backstage particulars behind Cena's villainous move and how the surprise was kept from many personnel behind the scenes.

The absence of long-term storytelling or direction has often been a criticism of WWE.

Some fans were still scratching their heads over how this all tied into The Rock's appearance at Bad Blood last October, but he and the WWE creative team have a firm vision for WrestleMania 41.

The Rock Expected at WrestleMania 41

Granted, it's still a little unclear just how The Rock will be involved at WrestleMania 41. Fightful Select reported WWE hasn't laid out a role for him on its biggest event of the year, but he's expected to take part.

Elimination Chamber did provide some more context to comments The Rock made after his interaction with Rhodes on the Feb. 21 edition of SmackDown. He said the story he was now crafting with the champion "never has to culminate to a match."

It doesn't look like "The Final Boss" will be getting in the ring himself against Rhodes, but his presence is looming over the entire storyline. The comparisons to Vince McMahon's long-running battle with Stone Cold Steve Austin, which included numerous proxies for Mr. McMahon, is the obvious comparison.

Fans can safely assume The Rock will make his presence felt at WrestleMania 41, even if he's not the one opposing "The American Nightmare."

WWE Draft Reportedly in Post-WrestleMania Plans

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported Friday that WWE is looking to stage its annual draft after WrestleMania 41.

That's the same general timeline for the last two installments after WWE had previously staged its 2019-21 drafts in October.

Perhaps the biggest question is how much WrestleMania 41 will inform fans about Cena's usage in the weeks and months that follow and what it means for Rhodes.

It would feel a little underwhelming if Cena's run as one of WWE's top heels lasted just a little over a month. Having him as the champion, with The Rock pulling the strings, is something that can reasonably carry on through SummerSlam in August and beyond.

Assuming there's a title change at WrestleMania, the draft will map out the likely contenders for Cena.