Roman Reigns Vs. John Cena: A WrestleMania Showdown?

The prospect of Roman Reigns facing John Cena at WrestleMania is a tantalizing what-if scenario for wrestling fans. While this particular match never materialized at WrestleMania in 2014, exploring why it didn't happen and delving into their actual encounters provides a fascinating look into WWE's booking decisions and the evolution of both superstars. Guys, imagine if we had witnessed this clash on the grandest stage of them all! It would have been epic.

The WrestleMania That Wasn't

WrestleMania 30, held in 2014, saw John Cena taking on Bray Wyatt in a highly anticipated match, while Roman Reigns was part of The Shield's memorable bout against Kane and The New Age Outlaws. The landscape of WWE at that time was quite different. John Cena, although still a top star, was beginning to transition into a role where he could elevate newer talent. Roman Reigns, on the other hand, was on the cusp of a major singles push, with The Shield being one of the most dominant factions in recent memory. The decision to have Cena face Wyatt was rooted in a storyline that explored Cena's heroic persona being tested by Wyatt's dark and twisted character. Meanwhile, keeping The Shield together allowed them to continue their reign of dominance and build towards their eventual split, which propelled Reigns into the main event scene. It's interesting to think about the alternatives, though. A Cena vs. Reigns match at that point might have been premature, potentially derailing the carefully constructed plans for both superstars.

Their Actual Encounters

Despite not clashing at WrestleMania 30, Roman Reigns and John Cena did have significant encounters later on. Their most notable match occurred at No Mercy in 2017. This wasn't just a match; it was a passing-of-the-torch moment. John Cena, recognizing Roman Reigns's potential to be the face of WWE, put him over in a clean and decisive victory. The match was built on the narrative of Cena, a veteran star, facing Reigns, the up-and-coming force. The promos leading up to the match were intense, with both men delivering scathing remarks about each other's careers and positions in the company. Cena questioned Reigns's ability to live up to the hype, while Reigns accused Cena of being a part-timer who was holding back the younger generation. The match itself was a physical battle, with both men exchanging signature moves and near-falls. In the end, Reigns emerged victorious, solidifying his status as a top star in WWE. This match served as a symbolic gesture, with Cena acknowledging Reigns as his successor. This clash remains a significant chapter in both of their careers, showcasing the blend of respect and competition that defines professional wrestling.

Why Not WrestleMania?

So, why didn't we get Roman Reigns vs. John Cena at WrestleMania? Several factors likely contributed to this decision. First, timing is everything in wrestling. In 2014, Roman Reigns was still relatively new to the singles scene, and a match against John Cena at WrestleMania might have been too much too soon. WWE often prefers to build up its stars gradually, ensuring they are ready for the pressure and spotlight of a WrestleMania main event. Second, John Cena's role in 2014 was to elevate other talents. His match against Bray Wyatt was designed to test Cena's character and give Wyatt a major victory on a big stage, even though Cena won the match, the feud did wonders for Wyatt. Putting Cena in a match against Reigns might not have served that purpose. Third, WWE had long-term plans for Roman Reigns, which involved breaking up The Shield and establishing him as a dominant singles competitor. Rushing him into a WrestleMania match against Cena could have disrupted those plans. Also, the storyline with the Wyatt family was compelling and provided a different dynamic for Cena, allowing him to explore a more psychological and emotional side of his character. The decision to keep The Shield intact for WrestleMania 30 allowed them to showcase their teamwork and dominance, further solidifying their status as a top faction in WWE.

The Impact of What Could Have Been

While a Roman Reigns vs. John Cena match at WrestleMania 30 didn't happen, its potential impact is still worth considering. Such a match would have undoubtedly drawn a massive audience and generated significant buzz. It would have pitted two of WWE's biggest stars against each other in a high-stakes encounter. However, it's also possible that the match could have been detrimental to one or both superstars. If Reigns had lost, it could have stalled his momentum and hindered his rise to the top. If Cena had lost, it could have diminished his credibility as a top star. WWE's booking decisions are often based on a delicate balance of risk and reward, and in this case, they likely felt that the potential risks outweighed the potential rewards. Moreover, the element of surprise and the unexpected twists and turns are what keep wrestling fans engaged and invested in the product. By not delivering the Reigns vs. Cena match at WrestleMania 30, WWE kept fans guessing and created anticipation for their eventual encounter. This approach allowed them to build the storyline gradually and maximize its impact when the match finally did occur at No Mercy in 2017.

Final Thoughts

The absence of Roman Reigns vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 30 is a testament to the intricate planning and storytelling that goes into professional wrestling. While the match would have been a spectacle, the circumstances and long-term plans dictated a different path. Their eventual clash at No Mercy in 2017 proved to be a significant moment, showcasing the evolution of both superstars and the changing landscape of WWE. So, while we can only imagine what might have been, the reality of their actual encounters provides plenty of memorable moments for wrestling fans to cherish. Wrestling, right? You never know what's coming next, and that's part of what makes it so darn captivating, fellas!