Buy or Sell Latest John Cena Updates, Backstage Reaction to ESPN, More WWE Rumors
One simply can't see the pro wrestling rumor mill slowing down to close 2025, not with John Cena's retirement tour dominating the conversation.
In fact, Cena alone has the rumor mill buzzing perhaps more than it has this time of year than ever before, exiting the odd Brock Lesnar match and looking ahead to the PLE event in Australia, where he's going to clash with AJ Styles.
Beyond all things Cena, rumblings around major names like Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre would make even a normal week buzz in a way that commands attention.
To help fans stay up-to-date with these historic times, here's a look at the must-know rumors and buzz, along with whether fans should buy or sell on each.
Cena vs. Lesnar plans changed?
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The Rumor
Did WWE have something different in mind for a recent controversial finish? According to Bodyslam.net (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), WWE actually changed the outcome of the Wrestlepalooza main event the day of, with Cena initially penciled in to win.
Reaction
This one sort of feels like revisionist history. It was pretty clear from the production that WWE wanted to put Lesnar over major with an ESPN audience (as much as one can put over a 48-year-old wrestler, anyway). Perhaps the immediate backlash to the match and result put WWE on a path to claiming this was all in line with Cena's character.
Buy or Sell?
Sell. WWE hasn't said a peep about a rematch. This lines up too nicely with Cena's character. While he undoubtedly wants to put over other talent on his way out the door, one has to think he'd like to get some wins, too, after years and years of losses and the failed heel turn.
Other major changed plans?
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The Rumor
The curveballs after Wrestlepalooza keep coming. According to Bodyslam.net (h/t Ortman), Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre actually pitched a title change based around Randy Orton's interference.
Reaction
This would've been really fun. McIntyre steals the title in the main event in a shocker, with Orton attempting to help Rhodes instead, causing major problems. Rhodes goes back into chase mode and Orton slow walks into a must-see heel run.
Buy or Sell?
Buy. WWE Superstars are likely pitching all sorts of things at all times. But this one especially makes sense. Rhodes is a casual name these days, so McIntyre shocking with a win in front of an ESPN audience would've put him over majorly. It would give hardcore fans something, too, as they slow-burn the wished-for Rhodes-Orton feud.
Cena-Styles rumblings
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The Rumor
The Cena and Styles match got some creative build when social media and fans got involved. According to Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer (h/t WrestlePurists), the match was always planned, yet all involved wanted to tease it out in this manner.
Reaction
It's a nice touch to build a feud. And it felt pretty organic, too, with Cena doing an in-ring tribute to Styles as a sort of admission the match wouldn't happen before he retires. Styles wants the match and fans get a small "say" in helping it happen.
Buy or Sell?
Buy. It's always nice to see some mildly long-term plans work out. And it's even nicer to see Cena get some creative booking after his last few feuds have been so forgettable. Luckily for fans, the match itself should be on par with or surpass this feasible little bit of booking, too.
Logan Paul…free agent?
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The Rumor
For those wondering what the status of Paul is, don't. According to WrestleVotes Radio (h/t Ortman), Paul is technically listed as a "free agent" and free to float between whatever weekly show he wants or is needed.
Reaction
No big shock here. Coming off his loss to Cena at the end of August at Clash in Paris, fans haven't seen much of Paul. It's pretty clear that he's a part-timer who goes where asked for the marquee feuds, however those things get decided.
Buy or Sell?
Buy. Perhaps what's more interesting now is where Paul goes next. The fact he got one of the very few remaining dates on the Cena retirement tour registered as pretty surprising. Either way, it feels like he has an equal chance to go Raw or SmackDown when the time comes.
WWE's reaction to ESPN grades
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The Rumor
ESPN wasn't in love with Wrestlepalooza, as seen in the outlet's grades for the event. According to WrestleVotes Radio (h/t Ortman), some within WWE weren't happy with the grades and considered it on par with other PLEs.
Reaction
This one is more funny than anything because, if anything, it reinforces the idea that ESPN will remain a neutral party despite technically hosting the PLE on its platforms. ESPN isn't going to just be PR for WWE within its objective analysis, something it should be praised for.
Buy or Sell?
Buy, simply because it's oh-so-WWE to not agree with the internet. The grades were a good reflection of how many fans viewed the PLE, especially given some of the rumors above around the Cena-Lesnar and McIntyre-Rhodes finish. For many longtime fans, it was just another PLE, no matter how exciting it might've been for lapsed or new viewers.
