10 Big WWE Returns That Could Happen In 2022

5. John Cena

The Fiend is back
WWE.com

An objective business success across the board, John Cena's 2021 WWE return helped boost ticket sales and television ratings when the promotion needed it, proving the 16-time World Champion's enduring value on a part-time schedule.

Whether or not you were into his work opposite Roman Reigns (which was generally well-received) is secondary. That Cena had such a real, tangible impact on these metrics means WWE will hurry to bring him back at the earliest opportunity. As his acting career continues to grow, his name value will become increasingly valuable to the promotion and if he's as giving as he was versus Reigns, he can theoretically be used to put other new stars over as well.

Not that putting new stars over is a priority in this era of WWE, but you know. Theoretically.

"C U soon," was Cena's sign-off on his farewell tweet. It's clear that even as he builds a new reputation in Hollywood, his attachment to pro wrestling remains. He will be back - and WWE will have eyes on another weeks-long run a la the Summer of Cena.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.