Triple H and WWE's Growing John Cena Problem

When John Cena announced his plans to retire from in-ring action, the WWE Universe expected the resulting run to be legendary, similar to what wrestling fans had witnessed when Ric Flair or Shawn Michaels retired.

Instead, Cena was part of a lackluster heel turn that didn't amount to much and a farewell tour that has been mostly forgettable. While the 17-time champion's last run with WWE has been hyped as "can't miss," it has been largely forgettable.

Cena only has five appearances left as an active in-ring competitor, including Crown Jewel on October 11, two episodes of Raw in November, Survivor Series on November 29, and his final appearance at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13.

There is a litany of issues that plagued Cena's retirement tour, including the Superstar being even more limited in the ring than previously remembered. He was never known as an elite worker, but being away from full-time wrestling has exposed that he has lost a step in the ring.

Add in the fact that Cena's appearances are few and far between due to his Hollywood commitments, which have resulted in lackluster storylines and programs. Even when the angles are interesting, his sporadic appearances have killed all momentum.

Even when he is on WWE programming, the notoriously elite talker has been regurgitating the same style promos and material, cutting promos that play on nostalgia instead of crafting a new storyline that is worthy of being the final chapter in his story.

Another major issue for Cena's final run is the lack of stakes involved. In 2008, Ric Flair was embroiled in a series of matches that ultimately ended his career, culminating in a memorable bout against Shawn Michaels. Those moments were unforgettable, while Cena's run has been forgettable.

While Cena's final matches have been trips down memory lane, with the legend facing off against familiar foes, the company has missed the boat on a prime opportunity to put over a younger prospect.

Even when Cena loses, his promos often bury his opponents, leaving the WWE Universe to not take the Superstar seriously, even after beating him. As much as Cena is celebrated, he hardly ever paid it forward by putting over younger talent, and the tradition has continued on his retirement tour.

But the biggest issue with Cena's entire retirement run has been the lack of a clear final opponent or true career culmination. The WWE Universe knows the date and the event, but not knowing who Cena will fight last has dampened the excitement for the event.

With a series of solid, not spectacular, final matches already established, there is little doubt that his final bout will be against a familiar foe, but will lack true emotional significance. The combination of no payoff and the predictability of a final match feels like WWE missed the opportunity to give Cena a legendary send-off.

When compared to what AEW did with Sting's recent retirement, Cena fans have to be utterly disappointed by Triple H and WWE Creative's futile attempts.

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