John Cena

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

       

Triple H Talks Chyna's HOF Induction

On Saturday night, Chyna will take her rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame alongside D-Generation X stablemates Triple H, Shawn Michaels, X-Pac, Road Dogg and Billy Gunn.

Chyna will be inducted posthumously after dying in 2016 from an overdose of alcohol and multiple prescription drugs. When she was alive, she was often viewed as one of the biggest stars who wasn't yet in the Hall of Fame.

In an interview with CBS Sports' State of Combat (h/t Joshua Gagnon of WrestlingInc.com), Triple H talked about why now is the right time for Chyna's induction:

"After she left the business and everything else prevented [her Hall of Fame induction] for a period of time, it's funny because people look at it and go, 'Finally, they are putting her in.' But she's going into a class with Honky Tonk Man. Like, he's just getting in there and is a generation before. It's not a time-limit type thing. ... I'm thrilled that it's this year, partly because finally the time has passed where everything can just happen and it can be right for her where the moment of putting her in the Hall of Fame for this manner is about her accomplishments and not about anything else. That was always my bigger point of this. You can't do it when [the negative] becomes the conversation. The conversation needs to be about her accomplishments and what she did here."

After leaving the wrestling business, Chyna starred in adult films, which may be the "negative" Triple H was referring to. Also, she left WWE on bad terms in 2001 after Triple H, who she was previously in a relationship with, began dating Stephanie McMahon.

There is no denying Chyna's impact on the business, as she was one of the first women to wrestle men, and she remains the only woman to have won the Intercontinental Championship.

Chyna's in-ring accomplishments are legendary, and there was never any question that she deserved to be immortalized by WWE.

        

Cena's WrestleMania Status Uncertain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYF2sreCNls

It is still unclear what type of role John Cena might have in WrestleMania 35 on Sunday.

According to PWInsider (h/t Marc Middleton of WrestlingInc.com), the 41-year-old has wrapped filming the movie Playing with Fire, but it isn't yet known if he will wrestle a match at The Show of Shows.

Previously, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Middleton) reported Cena was in negotiations to compete at WrestleMania and was likely to agree to a match.

The veteran has featured sparingly since losing to The Undertaker at last year's WrestleMania, and he hasn't competed in a match since wrestling twice on Raw in January. Even so, it is difficult to imagine the marquee event without Cena.

He has at least appeared in every Showcase of the Immortals since WrestleMania 19, and he has had a match at every WrestleMania since WrestleMania 20 with the exception of WrestleMania 32, although he did have an in-ring altercation with The Wyatt Family.

If there is a plan in place for Cena to wrestle, Kurt Angle would seem to be the ideal opponent.

The Olympian has a scheduled match against Baron Corbin, but he could dispatch of him quickly, which could then lead to Cena laying down a challenge.

Cena's first main roster match was against Angle, and he also inducted The Olympic Gold Medalist into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Everything would come full circle if Cena gives Angle a sendoff, and it seems too perfect for it not to happen.

         

McIntyre Talks WrestleMania Match vs. Reigns

Drew McIntyre won't be competing for a title at WrestleMania 35, but he is confident he and Roman Reigns will do something special.

In an interview with DC 101 (h/t Ross Kelly of WrestlingInc.com), The Scottish Psychopath talked about his expectations for his WrestleMania clash with The Big Dog:

"I got the butterflies, I've got the nerves. The day that stops is the day I retire. I feel beyond ready and with someone like Roman, who like you say is used to that big stage, a phenomenal performer and so physical like myself. I know we're bringing something that no one else will be able to compete with because we're two big physical guys. It's going to be a war. It's going to be great."

Facing Reigns is a huge spot for McIntyre, as The Big Dog headlined each of the previous four WrestleManias.

Also, it will be Reigns' first singles match since announcing his leukemia was in remission.

WrestleMania 35 will mark McIntyre's first singles match on The Grandest Stage of Them All as well after many ups and downs during his time with the company.

The Scot was once called The Chosen One, but he was released in 2014 before reaching his potential. He returned to WWE a changed man in 2017, and he has quickly become one of the company's top heels.

By sharing the ring with Reigns at WrestleMania, McIntyre will have a chance to show he's world championship material, which is something that seemed unlikely just a few years ago.

       

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).

Six days before WrestleMania, the biggest star in the company does not have a match—and it's not even clear if he's going to show up.

John Cena has not been seen on WWE programming since he suffered an ankle injury meant to write him off television ahead of the Royal Rumble. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio said Cena will be part of Sunday's WrestleMania event but against a mystery opponent.

"The Cena match is being kept secret," Meltzer said, per Joshua Gagnon of Wrestling Inc. "I mean even people who know everything don't know that one. I mean people internal, internal do know, but I don't know who it is. It's not Kurt, for sure. He's got nothing to do with the Kurt match. Kurt is wrestling Baron Corbin, unless there's another guy who's coming in that we don't know that's what it's gonna be."

The situation is somewhat similar to WrestleMania 34, when it was unclear if Cena would be on the card. He had spent the lead up to the event calling out The Undertaker without any answer, only to have the Deadman show up and defeat him in a squash.

Cena has been increasingly absent in recent years from WWE programming due to his burgeoning entertainment career. Meltzer said it's possible WWE will look to set up a program with Lars Sullivan and Cena at WrestleMania, but it's unlikely they face off one-on-one. 

"I don't think they're gonna do a match with Lars, but I wouldn't be surprised if John Cena beats somebody and Lars shows up and destroys him," Meltzer said. "I mean, it's possible. It may be a little early for Lars, but just the way Triple H talked when he was asked about Lars and other things I've heard. Lars, I'm thinking is coming back fairly soon. I don't know that's 100 percent, but it's certainly leaning in that direction. I can say for sure it's leaning that direction and Triple H kinda sorta hinted that, as well."

Sullivan was considered as a potential Cena opponent before suffering an anxiety attack that has prevented him from making a main roster debut.   

Under two weeks until WrestleMania 35, the WWE rumor mill is churning out reports and speculation regarding some of the Superstars expected to make significant contributions to The Showcase of the Immortals.

From modern-day anti-authority rebel Becky Lynch to the measuring stick for that specific personality type "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, top stars found themselves making headlines this week for a bevy of reasons.

        

A New Contract for The Man

Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reported Lynch has been offered a sizeable new contract, complete with pay raise, and is expected to sign it before she takes to the squared circle to battle Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair in the main event of the April 7 spectacular.

She certainly has earned it.

Since turning heel at SummerSlam last August, no Superstar has been as consistently over with fans than The Man.

Throw in show-stealing performances on pay-per-view and an incredibly popular T-shirt and you have a Superstar riding a wave of momentum we have not seen since CM Punk took a microphone in hand and cut his famed pipebomb promo.

At a time when All Elite Wrestling is eyeing talent to bolster its roster and make a genuine run at competing with WWE, it makes sense that the company would reach out to Lynch well before her current deal expires to lock her up for the foreseeable future.

A pay raise is merely icing on top of the proverbial cake.

      

What Will John Cena Do at WrestleMania?

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Cageside Seats) reported John Cena is still slated to have a match at WrestleMania, though no one really knows what it will be.

Meltzer previously noted (h/t Cageside Seats) original plans for Cena saw him challenging Samoa Joe for the United States Championship, hence him being so regularly referenced by R-Truth on the road to the April 7 event.

Now, though, social media posts by the former franchise star of WWE suggest he may be involved in something more significant.

Digs aimed at Baron Corbin such as this one and that one have some thinking Cena will interject himself in the announced Corbin-Kurt Angle match at WrestleMania and give The Olympic Gold Medalist a proper retirement match befitting his star power.

Cena vs. Angle makes sense in that it was the Olympian who gave The Cenation Leader his first televised match in WWE, putting a young kid from West Newbury, Massachusetts, over as one of the bright young stars of the company's Ruthless Aggression Era.

Cena is a star befitting such a significant match. Though Corbin has worked hard, been a very consistent and reliable heel for WWE and is far better than he will ever likely get credit for, he seems out of place given the magnitude of the match.

Hopefully, Cena's social media hints lead to the outcome so many want and Angle can have the farewell match the 2017 Hall of Fame inductee deserves.

        

A Big Name Adding Star Power to WrestleMania?

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported that, along with Hulk Hogan, "we are told that WWE is currently finalizing plans on other names from the past they are seeking to bring in Wrestlemania weekend as well, with Steve Austin's name floating around quite a bit."

Stone Cold has not appeared on WWE television since Raw 25 in January 2018.

A stalwart of WrestleMania events both as a performer and a special guest, Austin has done a fine job of elevating the significance of the show with his appearances over the years. The segment with The Rock and Hogan some five years ago in New Orleans stands out as one of the event's most enduring moments in the last decade.

While it remains to be seen what Austin will do, or how he can be squeezed on to a show with the ungodly number of matches it already has, do not be surprised if The Texas Rattlesnake somehow pops up to pay homage to buddy and former foe Angle.

WrestleMania 35 is less than two weeks away on April 7, but there are a few WWE regulars who have yet to be announced for the event.

The Undertaker and John Cena are two people whose presence at WrestleMania is expected, so not having either Superstar booked for the show yet is surprising.

WrestleMania will also be the supposed retirement matches for both Kurt Angle and Batista when they battle Baron Corbin and Triple H, respectively.

Let's take a look at the best-case scenarios for these people and a couple of other legends at WrestleMania.

                           

Can Anyone See John Cena?

Cena's reduced schedule means we never know when he will pop in for a quick match or an extended feud, but not having him appear at WrestleMania feels like a mistake.

Whether you love or hate him, Cena is still one of the most recognizable faces in WWE today. While a quick segment backstage would suffice, the best way he could surprise fans would be to enter and win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

This match already feels like a joke thanks to the inclusion of Michael Che and Colin Jost, so the company may as well use it as an opportunity to give the 41-year-old one more accolade to add to his resume. 

It would be a great way to get Cena on the card without taking away a full match from full-time wrestlers who worked all year to earn their spot, and it would give The Cenation Leader a chance to interact with some Superstars he might not end up in the ring with under normal circumstances.

                          

You Can't Keep a Deadman Down

The Undertaker has only missed a couple of WrestleManias throughout his long and storied career, but we might not see him this year.

While it would be nice to see him wrestle again, The Deadman is no longer the performer he once was. At this point, the best thing he could do is make a surprise appearance during the Hall of Fame ceremony or deliver a quick promo just to hype up the crowd.

Undertaker doesn't owe this business anything. He has given his entire career to WWE, and if he is no longer capable of performing at a level he feels comfortable with, we shouldn't ask him to come back.

Besides, his entrance is the real attraction anyway. WWE can give fans what they want by having him come out, give a short speech and leave without incident. It might not be the most exciting option in the world, but it's better than having him put on a bad match. 

                       

Making The Anvil Proud

The Hart Foundation is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a tag team during WrestleMania weekend, but sadly, it will be a posthumous induction for Jim Neidhart.

The Anvil died on August 13, but he lives on through his daughter, Natalya. She will make her father proud when she teams up with another Hall of Famer, Beth Phoenix, to challenge for the Women's Tag Team Championships.

A great way to pay tribute to Neidhart would be for Bret Hart to accompany Natalya to the ring in classic Hart Foundation leather jackets.

The Hitman is the last living member of The Hart Foundation stable, and it would be awesome to see him represent its legacy at WrestleMania one more time. 

                     

A Belated Birthday Present

Batista returned to WWE in shocking fashion when he attacked Ric Flair at his 70th birthday celebration on the Feb. 25 edition of Raw and challenged Triple H to a fight at WrestleMania.

The Animal will get his wish when he faces The Game in a No Holds Barred match. There is a good chance The Nature Boy will also have some kind of impact on the outcome.

This feud is all about Batista and Triple H, but it is also concerns their time in Evolution with Flair and Randy Orton. The Viper is busy with AJ Styles, so that just leaves Naitch to provide The King of Kings with some backup.

This will supposedly be Big Dave's final match, but since Triple H put his career on the line, the Guardians of the Galaxy actor will probably come up short against the man who has never defeated him in a one-on-one encounter.

Triple H can keep his career, Flair can get some revenge, and Batista can retire without having to lose clean at the biggest event of the year.

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

            

Kenny Omega Seeks Dream Matches Against John Cena, Seth Rollins

Kenny Omega opted to sign with All Elite Wrestling, where he'll serve as an executive vice president in addition to an in-ring talent, as a highly coveted free agent in February.

Although AEW is creating a star-studded roster for a new promotion, Omega is still hoping he eventually crosses paths with WWE Superstars like John Cena and Seth Rollins.

Robert Gunier of WrestlingInc. provided comments the 35-year-old Canada native made about preferred opponents over the weekend at a C2E2 event in Chicago:

"If we're talking about fantasy opponents and all that, I don't know, I really want to wrestle guys like John Cena or Seth Rollins. These guys that have got a little bit of chip on their shoulder. And I don't mean that I want to show that I'm better or anything, I just want to work with these alpha-male-type dudes, ya know? I want to work with guys that really think that they're the best: guys that have shown that they maybe are in the conversation for being the best. I think that makes magic."

While it wouldn't be a surprise if Omega and Rollins eventually cross paths whether it be in WWE, AEW or elsewhere, he's likely running out of time for a Cena matchup.

The longtime face of the WWE has spent more time on his budding acting career than on Raw or SmackDown in recent years and admitted in December the experience made him realize why movies made Dwayne Johnson, known as The Rock during his wrestling days, leave the squared circle.

"So as much as I want to do everything, you can't," Cena told ESPN's Cari Champion. "This was a giant misunderstanding I had about what Dwayne was doing—what The Rock was doing—because he does movie after movie after movie."

Those type of commitments are often a key factor as to why all dream matches don't come to fruition.

          

Nikki Bella Preparing For WWE Retirement

Bella confirmed during Sunday's season finale of the E! show Total Bellas she's ready to finish her run with WWE, saying she's "too old" to meet the travel demands of professional wrestling.

The 35-year-old San Diego native didn't say exactly when her wrestling career will officially end but hinted it could already be over, saying, "Here's to closing one chapter and the next one opening," per Lindsay Kimble of People.

"Being on the European tour, I've had a lot of time to think," she said. "Just how my body feels, being away from my company, how time-consuming this is. It's making me realize I am ready to fold the jersey and put it away. I'm ready to put the kicks aside and I'm ready to take Nikki Bella into a different direction."

Bella's most recent official match came Oct. 28 when she lost to Ronda Rousey in the main event of Evolution, the first WWE pay-pay-view featuring only women's matches.

Her career resume includes two reigns as the Divas champion.

        

Finn Balor Joins Elias For Lady Gaga Sing-Along

Balor posted a clip of himself singing the Lady Gaga song "Shallow" alongside fellow Superstar Elias at a WWE live event Sunday.

https://twitter.com/FinnBalor/status/1110009159041339394

Elias is known for his music-centric gimmick, which has actually made him one of the company's most entertaining performers over the past six months.

Getting to see Balor join in the fun was a rare treat for fans, however, and the moment highlighted the more lax nature of house shows compared to the highly scripted Raw and SmackDown.

Of course, the clip ends with Elias attacking the former universal champion from behind. It's still wrestling, after all.

John Cena can still uplift a big WrestleMania 35 card. 

Mercifully, WWE hasn't done what they have in the past, throwing a so-called underdog Cena into a storyline where he has to earn his trip to 'Mania. It was never in doubt in the past Cena would make the card no matter what contrived storyline they came up with to fill time. 

Everyone knows the inevitable is happening again. WrestleMania isn't happening without Cena. It might happen without Undertaker, which makes plenty of sense at this stage. It can't happen without Cena. 

Especially when Cena is so desperately needed for a certain position on the card—the match with Kurt Angle. 

The Angle mess is just that, a disaster mid-flop. WWW threw out a few interesting possibilities for Angle's retirement match at 35, including Cena. On the March 18 edition of Raw, WWE revealed the opponent would be Baron Corbin, of all people. 

The fans live at the show blasted the decision. Fans on social media did, too. Corbin is the heel everyone loves to hate. He plays the guy everyone knows and despises quite well, if not the boss at work most can't stand. He's great at his job. 

But he's not retirement-match material. He's battle royal material. And he doesn't need the rub of such a match. 

Oddly, WWE made the decision (supposedly) final in Chicago, where more than a decade prior, Cena made his debut on SmackDown and challenged Angle. 

The fact WWE didn't pull the trigger on this incredible bit of history while building the story is incredibly alarming in the way it suggests Corbin is really the opponent. 

But WWE can still save this in the coming weeks. 

This is the same company, after all, that reintroduced Batista in shocking fashion and got fans invested in his feud with 'H with the snap of a finger. As weird as it was to see the Chicago Raw come and pass without Cena, they can still weave him in that quickly. 

A handful of weeks sit between the next Raw and 'Mania. Cena can show up at any one of them and get himself in the story. And not that anyone should take his social media too seriously given his memes upon memes, but Cena has sort of already weighed in on the match.

A Cena swerve has plenty of possible launching points. Maybe it's a promo about their history. Maybe it is pulling aside the power-tripping Vince McMahon and demanding it. 

Or maybe it's attacking Corbin at WrestleMania itself. 

There is a special sort of appeal to this option. Rather than muddy the booking, pull a swerve at the last second the live crowd will eat up, as will the onlookers around the world.

Look at the silly mess the Ronda Rousey-Charlotte Flair-Becky Lynch thing has been over the many weeks between Royal Rumble and 'Mania itself. Why botch more storytelling while trying to pass some time? Cena showing up and staking his claim on Angle's retirement match doesn't need any explaining or long-term justification. 

Regardless of the how at this point, Cena can put on a quick match with Angle just the same as Corbin could. He certainly did with Undertaker. But the impact is more meaningful. Fans already saw the whole "new guy slaughters Angle" bit when Drew McIntyre tore him apart on Raw. 

Look, WWE giving the fans Angle against Corbin could be viewed as an apology of sorts. The hardcore fans are tired of seeing older talents on the WrestleMania card. They're already getting Batista against Triple H. But the story is Angle's final match...ever, so presumably fans could understand and tolerate the meaning behind an Angle-Cena dance.

For his goodbye, fans need to see Angle's hand raised at the end by someone like Cena.  

Cena doesn't have many other interesting card possibilities, anyway. Putting over an up-and-coming talent would be nice, but isn't necessary. For the history books and legacy, Cena's best slot on the 'Mania card is the most obvious one. 

Cena and Angle need to dance one last time.     

One look at the WWE Superstars not currently announced for a WrestleMania match on April 7 is a who's who of former world champions, one or two of which are synonymous with The Showcase of the Immortals. 

Sure, there are bouts that have been hinted at and teased, but there is still a wealth of competitors whose role on the most important pay-per-view extravaganza of the year are uncertain just two weeks out.

With time ticking away and pressure on WWE Creative to get as many stars on the card as possible, these are a few booking scenarios befitting those Superstars with uncertain paths to The Grandaddy of Them All.

   

Kevin Owens

Owens has been the victim of poor timing, as his return to television coincided with the ascent of Kofi Kingston to the top of the SmackDown Live roster. As a result, The Prizefighter's quest to capture the WWE Championship has taken a back seat.

Unlike others, his journey to relevancy at WrestleMania is unclear. There are no obvious opponents for KO. Owens even made light of it on Twitter when interacting with a fan.

I think I have to get on WrestleMania first! https://t.co/AQBXtwgpov

— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) March 20, 2019

With that in mind, the best approach to take is one in which Owens can lend credibility and legitimacy to another Superstar or concept.

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal has become a mess of midcard mediocrity with few genuine favorites and its fair share of deadweight. We found out Monday on Raw that Braun Strowman will compete in the match. What better way to bolster the lineup and enhance the significance of the annual afterthought than by including Owens and giving fans a second, realistic option to win?

Owens can even claim victory and catapult himself forward, building momentum for himself as he enters the post-Mania months in WWE.

    

The Undertaker

WrestleMania has not been without The Phenom since 2000. That should not change this year.

That does not necessarily mean he has to wrestle, though.

To say The Deadman has appeared a step or two slower every time we have seen him in the squared circle recently would be an understatement. He is not the same guy who tore the house down with Shawn Michaels in 2009 and '10. He is older, his body is affected by years of bumping, and it is almost unbelievable that he could beat any of the younger, faster, stronger Superstars of this generation at this point.

What Undertaker does bring to the table, though, is star presence and big-event aura. It still feels like a monumental deal when he steps through the curtain, so rather than trotting him out for a match that would almost certainly expose his weaknesses, the best way to book Undertaker is in a special cameo of sorts.

For weeks, WWE Creative has booked interruptions during Elias' musical performances, to the point that The Drifter has grown increasingly frustrated and angry. Imagine him sitting in the middle of the ring on wrestling's grandest stage, ready to serenade the WWE Universe, when Undertaker's music plays and The Deadman walks the aisle one more time.

He comes face-to-face with Elias and proceeds to drop him with a chokeslam and tombstone piledriver, playing all the hits before leaving to a thunderous ovation. Undertaker gets his moment, and his fans are sent home happy. No one looks bad, and Elias gets to share the WrestleMania stage with a Superstar as closely linked to it as anyone.

     

John Cena

In 2002, Cena walked to the ring and confronted Kurt Angle, telling the Olympic gold medalist it was ruthless aggression that made him special before nearly upsetting the former WWE champion in his debut match.

What better way to utilize Cena than to have him confront Angle one last time, insisting the most celebrated real athlete in WWE history reconsider his decision to have his retirement match against Baron Corbin and instead, go out with a bang by battling the company's franchise star?

Cena has not had a legitimate WrestleMania match since 2015, when he defeated Rusev to win the United States Championship. Filming schedules and injuries have kept him from those memorable in-ring performances, robbing fans of the latest additions to "Big Match John's" highlight reel.

A showdown with Angle in such a significant match not only rights that wrong, it gives Angle the farewell match of significance that he deserves rather than a throwaway match with Corbin that serves no real purpose and will not elicit the emotion he deserves for his last dance at WrestleMania.

    

Dean Ambrose

Last fall, Ambrose underwent a heel turn based on the idea that he did not need his Shield teammates and could succeed in WWE all by himself. The unexpected return of Roman Reigns on this road to WrestleMania has affected many a booking plan, none more significantly than Ambrose's. Gone is the heel turn, and in its place was a reunion with his fellow Hounds of Justice.

After news of his impending departure, he was utilized to put over Drew McIntyre in preparation for The Scottish Psychopath to battle Reigns at WrestleMania. Not yet booked for any match on the show, Ambrose could shock the world with a swerve that alters the outcome of that match sets up one last great month of television in his WWE career.

After being beaten down and having Reigns and Seth Rollins stand up for him, Ambrose could express disgust that his "brothers" are treating him like the weakling of the faction. Again dismayed by his treatment, he makes his way to ringside at WrestleMania and betrays Reigns, costing him the match and setting up one last go-round in the form of a high-profile run with The Big Dog.

It would be more significant a role for Ambrose than any lesser spot on the card or entry into a Battle Royale ever could be, and more importantly, it would jumpstart an angle the likes of which someone of his stature deserves before departing a company he has been very good to.

With WrestleMania 35 less than three weeks away, John Cena reportedly does not currently have an opponent for the biggest event of the year.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Joshua Gagnon of WrestlingInc.com), there is no clear creative plan for Cena at WrestleMania.

Two spots Cena was rumored to potentially fill are now occupied, as it was announced on Raw that Kurt Angle will face Baron Corbin in his retirement match, and on SmackDown it was revealed that Samoa Joe will defend the United States Championship against Rey Mysterio.

Cena created buzz last week when he posted a photo of a young Angle on his Instagram account. He followed that up Wednesday by posting a photo of a fan holding a sign that read, "Baron Corbin is a dumpster fire."

There has been a hugely negative response from the WWE Universe since Angle announced Corbin as his WrestleMania opponent, and the live crowd in Chicago for Raw even chanted, "We want Cena," which has been a rarity in recent years.

Last year, Cena did not have an official match announced ahead of WrestleMania, although he did call out The Undertaker on multiple occasions. The Deadman answered Cena's challenge at WrestleMania and won in convincing fashion in what was framed as an impromptu match.

Since his WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania 20, Cena has had a match at every WrestleMania event except WrestleMania 32. He did appear at WrestleMania 32 and help The Rock fight off The Wyatt Family, however.

While he is currently a part-time Superstar with a greater focus on his acting career in Hollywood, Cena has been a staple in WWE and at WrestleMania for 15 years, and it is difficult to envision him not being part of the festivities in some way.

Replacing Corbin at the last minute or interrupting Elias' musical performance for the second year in a row are possible spots for Cena at WrestleMania 35, but it seems like the end of an era regardless with WWE opting against making a big deal out of a potential Cena match entering WrestleMania.

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).

When he closes the curtain on his WWE career at WrestleMania 35, Kurt Angle will face off with Baron Corbin.

Angle confirmed Monday night on Raw he has selected Corbin for what will be his farewell match.

.@RealKurtAngle announces on #Raw that he has chosen @BaronCorbinWWE as his opponent for his farewell match at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/0aFbvI6BLk

— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019

Ideally, Angle would've had the luxury of taking on a star with whom he feuded for a major storyline in the past. His longevity made that almost impossible, though. 

Neither John Cena nor The Undertaker is officially retired, but there's no indication they'll be in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for WrestleMania on April 7. Shawn Michaels has fully retired once again after his brief return for Crown Jewel last November. Brock Lesnar is already defending the WWE Universal Championship against Seth Rollins.

In lieu of a sentimental choice, Corbin at least makes sense based on recent history.

Corbin subtly undermined the Olympic gold medalist when he was general manager of Raw until Stephanie McMahon named Corbin Raw's acting GM last August while putting Angle on "vacation." Corbin also defeated Angle in a singles match on the Jan. 28 edition of Raw.

Corbin is a somewhat underwhelming opponent for such an important occasion, but fans will be eager to give Angle a proper send-off nonetheless.

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

AJ Styles Re-Signing with WWE

The scuttlebutt of AJ Styles heading to AEW was unfounded, as the SmackDown star confirmed on Twitter Monday that he agreed to a new contract with WWE:

This is the newest member of my family. Also, I’ve signed a new contract with the WWE. What a cute little guy. pic.twitter.com/PNqh9shgTH

— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) March 18, 2019

Styles has been with WWE since making his debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, quickly establishing himself as one of the top draws in the company. He's been a SmackDown Live staple since the brand split from Raw, and the program has been known as the "House That AJ Styles Built."

That moniker has been challenged by Randy Orton in the build to their WrestleMania feud. Styles did not so much build SmackDown Live as much as rejuvenated it from the dormant, Raw Junior program it used to be.

Styles sticking around also makes sense for himself, both from a financial and exposure standpoint. No one quite knows what AEW is or will be at this point, and jumping to an unknown at 41 years old is a lot different than doing it at age 25.

Odds are Styles looked to negotiate a contract that allows him to work fewer live shows, preserving his body and making his travel schedule easier.

Shelton Benjamin, Kurt Angle Set for WrestleMania?

Angle announced last week that he would have his "farewell" match at WrestleMania.

The only question left remaining was his opponent. John Cena dropped a hint that it may be him on his Instagram feed, though it appears there is another idea on the books.

Shelton Benjamin and Angle had the following exchange on Twitter that seemed to indicate they could be the WrestleMania pairing WWE has in mind:

I’m game!!!!

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) March 17, 2019

Benjamin and Charlie Haas cut their teeth in WWE together in the Team Angle stable. Benjamin and Haas later formed the World's Greatest Tag Team after their break from Angle.

Like Angle, Benjamin recently rejoined WWE after a lengthy hiatus. He re-signed with the company in 2017 but had essentially been off television until showing up last week and attacking Seth Rollins from behind.

Perhaps his involvement in that angle—heh—was a prelude to a program with his WWE mentor.

Or, maybe we're all getting worked and it'll be Angle-Cena after all.

DJZ Signs with WWE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3SaEfqIXOU

Former Impact X-Division champion DJZ is headed to WWE. Paul Davis of WrestlingNews.co confirmed news initially reported by PWInsider.

DJZ was part of Impact Wrestling from 2011-2018, where he became a star for his high-flying antics. Davis reported DJZ still has independent dates remaining, so he will not be immediately making his debut.

Odds are he will do NXT for a stretch before being groomed to be part of 205 Live.