As the 2024 edition of WWE Survivor Series approaches, speculation is swirling around one of the most anticipated potential returns in the company’s history: John Cena. The legendary WWE Superstar, who has transitioned to a successful career in Hollywood, has been somewhat absent from the regular wrestling circuit in recent years. However, his legacy as one of the most beloved and iconic figures in WWE history, combined with the excitement surrounding the WarGames match format, has sparked rumors and hope that Cena might return for his final Survivor Series appearance.
Survivor Series, which has long been a cornerstone of WWE’s annual pay-per-view events, is known for its traditional elimination matches as well as its more modern takes, such as the WarGames stipulation introduced in 2022. With 2024 promising another iteration of WarGames matches, it’s natural to wonder if Cena, a veteran of many monumental Survivor Series moments, could make a dramatic return to the ring—possibly in what could be his last appearance at this event.
Cena’s Status and Recent Appearances
John Cena has had a highly successful career that stretches over two decades, amassing a long list of accolades including multiple WWE Championships, Royal Rumble victories, and WrestleMania moments. However, his increasing focus on acting, particularly with high-profile roles in the Fast & Furious franchise and the Peacemaker TV series, has meant that Cena has appeared only sporadically in WWE since 2020.
Despite his limited appearances, Cena has never truly closed the door on wrestling. His brief return to WrestleMania 39 in 2023, where he faced Austin Theory for the United States Championship, was a reminder of his undeniable connection to the WWE Universe. Although he lost that match, it also seemed like the end of a chapter—possibly his final appearance at a major WWE event. Cena himself has teased that his in-ring career may be coming to an end, but his deep bond with the WWE, his fans, and his long-standing history with Survivor Series make it a tantalizing thought that he might return one last time for the 2024 edition of the event.
The WarGames Factor
In 2023, WWE presented its WarGames match at Survivor Series to widespread acclaim, with the brutal, chaotic nature of the match capturing the imagination of fans. The match features two teams of five, with each competitor entering at timed intervals, and it takes place inside two connected steel cages. WarGames has already established itself as a signature match in WWE, and the 2024 edition promises to be no different.
The excitement surrounding the WarGames match format has led to speculation about potential surprise entrants. Historically, Survivor Series has been a place for legends to make their return, often with little prior warning. With Cena’s experience in high-stakes, multi-man matches like those at Survivor Series, his name has been linked to the 2024 WarGames in several fan theories. Could Cena be the missing piece to one of the WarGames teams, possibly in a dream matchup against current stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, or Cody Rhodes?
Cena’s Role in a WarGames Match
One possible scenario is that Cena could return to help Team WWE or a faction of rising stars, aligning with some of the younger talent in the company. Given his history as a mentor and locker room leader, Cena would be a natural fit for a storyline where he’s helping pass the torch to the next generation of WWE stars. Alternatively, a Cena vs. Roman Reigns program could culminate in a high-profile WarGames match, given their storied rivalry and Reigns’ current status as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. The narrative would write itself—Cena, representing the past, could be tasked with facing the dominant, record-breaking Reigns and his bloodline faction.
Another potential storyline is Cena coming to the aid of his long-time friend Randy Orton, who may return from injury to join Cena in a tag-team capacity or as part of a larger WarGames match. The idea of Cena and Orton, two icons who were once rivals and later allies, teaming up again for the first time in years would send the crowd into a frenzy. Their chemistry as a tag team is legendary, and a high-stakes match like WarGames would be an epic stage for their reunion.
Cena’s Legacy at Survivor Series
Survivor Series has always been a special event for Cena. Over his 20+ years in WWE, he has participated in several memorable moments at the event. From Team Cena battling Team Authority in 2014, to his many battles for the WWE Championship at the event, Cena’s legacy at Survivor Series is deeply intertwined with some of WWE’s biggest moments.
If Cena does return at Survivor Series 2024, it would be an opportunity for him to add one last monumental chapter to his legacy. A final appearance at Survivor Series, in a match like WarGames, would undoubtedly provide the kind of emotional, high-energy moment that Cena’s fans have been clamoring for.
Conclusion: Will Cena Return at Survivor Series 2024?
At this stage, it’s impossible to say for certain whether John Cena will return for the 2024 Survivor Series. However, the speculation surrounding his involvement, especially in a high-profile match like WarGames, is hard to ignore. With his acting commitments and career taking him away from full-time wrestling, it’s likely that any return would be a special, one-off appearance. If Cena does return, Survivor Series could very well be the stage for one final, career-defining moment—whether as a mentor to the next generation, a rival to Roman Reigns, or simply as the iconic face of WWE that fans have loved for so many years.
For now, the speculation remains just that—speculation—but one thing is certain: if Cena does return, it will be one of the most highly anticipated moments of the year.
