John Cena Vs. Austin Theory Reportedly Planned For WWE WrestleMania 39

WWE has apparently settled on a WrestleMania 39 opponent for John Cena.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer (h/t Sportskeeda), Cena will be returning to the ring for a rare match when he takes on rising star Austin Theory at WWE’s flagship pay-per-view. This would explain why the two filmed a yet-to-be-aired backstage segment when Cena returned to SmackDown last month.

Cena vs. Theory has been teased by both stars on numerous occasions over the past several months, leading to widespread speculation that the two talents would clash at WrestleMania 39. However, WWE has considered other match ideas for Cena, who has wrestled just once or twice per year over the past few years.

Among the names considered to face Cena have been Logan Paul, who had an unbelievably impressive rookie year in 2022 and would give Cena the marquee match that would get fans outside of pro wrestling talking. Even Cody Rhodes’ name had been thrown in the hat for a potential blockbuster match against Cena, but it looks like Rhodes will instead be focusing on the Royal Rumble match and his pursuit of his first-ever WWE world title.

So, enter Austin Theory.

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As noted by Meltzer, Cena vs. Theory was the plan “way, way back” at one point—we’re talking pre-Triple H taking over WWE creative. Vince McMahon, prior to exiting WWE, had clearly strapped the proverbial rocket to Theory, who became the youngest Mr. Money in the Bank in company history and was being primed to be WWE’s next big thing.

Of course, what makes a potential Cena vs. Theory match so intriguing are the obvious similarities between the two. From looks to size to their quick rises up the card in their early-to-mid 20s, the comparions are obvious and certainly warranted. Now, Cena is likely coming back to take on Theory in a match that could be a true passing of the torch.

At just 25 years old, Theory is the youngest United States Champion ever and has spent the past several months feuding with major stars like Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins. What Theory is lacking, however, is that signature, career-defining win that will catapult him to the next level and solidify him as a main eventer.

Theory’s run with the MITB briefcase in 2022 was so poorly booked that it did a lot of damage to his character, but he’s been completely revamped in recent months. His gimmick is a much more serious one and has allowed him to be presented as someone who could convincingly go toe-to-toe with the likes of Cena at WrestleMania 39.

On paper, there are several “bigger” potential WrestleMania matches for Cena, like the aforementioned Rhodes and Paul bouts. But WrestleMania 39 is already well on its way to being the most financially successful WrestleMania ever, and that will remain true regardless of which matches are on the show’s two-night card.

Cena has become a big pop culture star, so WWE’s best use of him at WrestleMania is to help create a new star.

And right now, no one fits that bill better than Theory.