John Cena is a third of the way through his WWE retirement tour. While the legend’s final year as an in-ring competitor has had some major moments, for a notable contingent of fans, it has not been quite as impactful as they expected. It certainly doesn’t help that his crowning achievement of becoming a record-breaking 17-time world champion came in a disappointing match at WrestleMania 41.
However, we are still in the early stages of his year-long farewell. And there are ways that it could be made even better. With that in mind, here are five ideas to improve the rest of John Cena’s retirement tour.
Related: 5 John Cena Next Opponent Options After Beating Randy Orton At WWE Backlash, Including Damian Priest
More Unpredictability
Because this is Cena’s farewell to fans, the company is understandably advertising his appearances in advance. It helps ticket sales by letting fans know they can get a chance to see him in person one last time. However, it has made things predictable. He arrives, talks some trash, interacts with his next opponent, then heads home.
The idea of turning heel was to avoid the rinse and repeat of “playing the hits” in different cities one last time. We need more surprise run-ins, backstage attacks, and unannounced appearances to help spice up the last year of his in-ring career.
A Real Faction
Fans were excited when The Rock played a key role in Cena’s turn to the dark side. It seemed like we might get an unexpected alliance, or even a faction, featuring two giants of the industry. But The Rock has been MIA since appearing at Elimination Chamber. With Cena not being able to show up on every edition of Raw or SmackDown the rest of the year, being aligned with certain talent could benefit the story.
They could play the role of the physical extension of the champ each week, and when he is available, being aligned with a heel Cena could help raise the profile of talent who could use it. Then they could play a part in his return to the light later this year and be a bigger name for the company following his retirement.
Getting The Last Laugh On SmackDown or Raw
Almost every time heel Cena has appeared on Raw or SmackDown, he has been left lying by his upcoming opponent. It has become so constant that it has led to memes being created by fans. It makes it harder to take him seriously as a champion to be feared. Maybe that is the point. And WWE is telling a story of a well-aged legend that needs every trick to overcome his limitations. But in a fictional world, it wouldn’t hurt for John Cena to look far stronger during his upcoming appearances.
Related: Major Update Emerges On Rumored John Cena Vs. CM Punk Match
More Obvious Change To His Look
The WWE Undisputed Champion has decided to maintain his physical presentation instead of making major changes as a heel. That is different and not necessarily a bad idea. But it wouldn’t be a terrible idea either to make bigger changes to his look. He has started to wear more muted colors instead of bright ones.
However, wearing different kinds of shorts or flashy, expensive sneakers to showcase his wealth would be better for his character. Maybe shedding the hat and t-shirt when not wrestling, and going with a more “corporate champion” vibe because he is leaving wrestling for Hollywood forever soon. It would go a long way towards getting more boos — the preferred response — instead of cheers for the man that still looks very similar to what fans have long loved.
New Theme Music
Along with making changes to his look, an adjustment to his theme would really set a tone that this is a very different man, beyond his harsh words towards fans. While there were rumors he might get a new theme from Travis Scott, that isn’t the way to go. The better option would be his original song “Bad Man.” From the same album that gave us his current, classic theme.
It would be a tongue-in-cheek nod to the changed person he now is, while also harkening back to a peak moment in his career and a fun song. Let’s not forget, if the old Cena does return by December, he can always return to the bright colors and classic theme one final time.
Related: 6 John Cena Matches We Won’t See During His Retirement Tour, Including Against Drew McIntyre
