Free agent John Cena

Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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While listening to the most recent DeMarco Wrestling podcast, I got the inspiration for this blog. Greg DeMarco and his cohost Patrick O'Dowd bring up the recent postings by WWE that "Free agent" John Cena returns to SmackDown Live on July 4th. I don't think his new nickname is going to be "Free Agent", so what does this mean? WWE offers a kayfabe explanation on its website, so I thought why not offer my 1-2-3 cents on the situation too?

Make-a-Wish appearance
Courtesy: WWE

Cena hasn't been around since he and Nikki Bella beat the Miz and Maryse at WrestleMania 33. And before that, his appearances in the ring have been limited. Cena is 40 years old (not old by any means, as I'm 44), but has been the WWE's "guy" for more than a decade. Besides the rigors of performing between the ropes, there's the Make-A-Wish appointments, public relation appearances and the hosting and acting gigs. Besides Vince McMahon, he's probably the hardest working guy in the business.

Courtesy: WWE

Greg and Patrick talked about the free agent status of being a way for Cena to become more of an attraction and not be tied down to one roster. He can show up where he's needed when he's needed. It would be similar to how the Undertaker was on both Raw and SmackDown in his most recent run. I have no problem with that. Cena has certainly earned the status of "attraction Superstar". I could see him coming back for the Big Four events for the next few years; Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Survivor Series. Of course, that would include some TV time leading up to the shows as well. 

Flair & Cena
Courtesy: WWE

But there will likely be another championship reign for Cena too. I can't imagine just tying Ric Flair 16 time record and leaving it at that, however, I'd have no problem if they do. If someone on the current roster breaks that, it has to be Cena. 

The other talk is Cena and Roman Reigns meeting a SummerSlam this year and Cena "passing the torch." It's too early for me to speculate on that, but it's a scenario that makes sense. I'll be curious to see what is next for all parties involved.