John Cena's Schtick may be getting a little stale for WWE fans

John Cena is arguably the most popular WWE superstar today. But recent matches with The Miz and appearance of a lackadaisical approach to the recent run-ins with the former WWE Champion and his cohort Alex Riley, have left him looking a little foolish. It also draws the question of whether his act or persona is running a lean with fans across the wrestling world.

Cena, who took a face turn in 2003, has been the face of everything good with positive messages to children and adults, his support of the military and his overwhelming dedication to wrestling as a sport. It would appear that after Cena’s run-in with Wade Barrett and members of the Nexxus left him with nothing more to prove other than challenge for the WWE title, which he won and then defended at the Over the Limit pay-per-view Sunday night. The match was “average” with the outcome almost predictable.

Should WWE’s creative team find something more intense for Cena and his character for RAW?  It is reported that Cena is in favor of a challenge from CM Punk. But with the possibility of Batista and Chris Jericho in the fold for the future, the two returning superstars could have a real role in the use of Cena’s character.

There is no question about Cena’s dedication and his desire to help draw money under the WWE brand. But in the midst of changes within the WWE’s roster for RAW and Smackdown, Cena should show more intensity with these new feuds.

Wrestlers like Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger are not on par with Cena yet, in terms of delivering a match that fans will buy where either opponent is Cena’s equal. Alberto Del Rio does not look like a good fit either. and Christian and Randy Orton can provide the push Cena may need, but they are on the Smackdown brand and cannot challenge him week in and week out.

Like wrestlers in the past, Cena needs someone to push him to be great. The Rock had Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H. Hulk Hogan had Randy Savage. Shawn Michaels had Bret Hart and then Triple H and The Undertaker. It makes sense to find a wrestler on par with Cena, who really does need new finishing hold and a way to let go of the rapping theatrics that are old and stale.

And bringing in The rock to challenge Cena at Wrestlemania XXVIII is great, but it is still ten months away and there cannot be 40-plus weeks of preparation for this one match—which may cause WWE fans to grow tired of the buildup.

Cena should not be old school; rather newer and fresher if he is going to continue with success. If the fans can see he is going at this without a real commitment to the success of his character, like a Randy Savage who lost some of his zeal with certain storylines, this could be harmful not only to Cena, but the WWE brand that works to support him.