The leader of the Cenation—or whatever’s left of it after that Elimination Chamber turn—is officially making at least one more pit stop before WrestleMania 41. WWE has confirmed on its official website that John Cena will appear on the April 18 episode of SmackDown, a.k.a. the go-home show for the Grandest Stage of Them All. So mark your calendars, polish your jorts, and prepare for some heavy dramatic finger-pointing.
Let’s be honest: Cena’s heel turn has been the nuclear moment of this year’s Road to WrestleMania. One minute he’s raising Cody Rhodes’ hand, the next he’s planting him with a surprise Attitude Adjustment to Morally Complicated Territory™. And yet… Cena’s been pretty elusive since then. Of the 12 TV shows since his betrayal, he’s only shown up three times on “Raw.” The man’s been more mysterious than Bray Wyatt’s old projector promos.
Until now.
While Cena isn’t officially booked for this week’s SmackDown or next Monday’s Raw, the door’s not closed. But barring a surprise pop-in, his next scheduled TV appearance is April 18, where he’s expected to stand across from Cody Rhodes and do what he does best: talk in riddles and shout about legacy while intensely squinting.
Cena’s last appearance saw him and Rhodes engage in a verbal cage match that ended with Cena eating a Cross Rhodes—not ideal cardio before Mania. Now, just days away from their match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Cena has a score to settle and at least 8–12 intense metaphors to deliver.
And what about The Rock? You remember him—the guy who whispered sweet heel nothings into Cena’s ear at Elimination Chamber, seemingly influencing the most dramatic betrayal since Judas cashed in for silver. Well, Rock is not currently scheduled to appear on either show next week. Will he show up at WrestleMania? Probably. Will he explain what the heck he’s doing in this story? That’s… less clear.
In short:
-
Cena returns April 18.
-
Cody probably gets some mic time and maybe another Attitude Adjustment.
-
Rock remains a mysterious puppet master off-screen.
-
WrestleMania 41? Looking like a therapy session with suplexes.