10 Early WWE Predictions For 2017

3. John Cena Equals Ric Flair's Record

The Undertaker
WWE.com

John Cena may have failed in his most recent attempt at capturing his 16th world title, but Ric Flair’s record can’t elude him forever. The story was pushed far too strongly during Cena’s recent feud with Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles for it to just die at No Mercy, and while John’s taking some time off at the moment, it won’t be long before he returns to resume his quest.

WrestleMania 33 feels like the perfect moment to pull the trigger. Cena’s career is winding down, and while he hasn’t always been a welcome main event presence (to put it mildly…), he deserves one last big moment before he eventually retires. There’s no better place for a wrestler of his stature to match Flair’s longstanding record, and regardless of whether you think it should happen or not, Cena will be remembered as one of the most decorated world champions of all-time.

Despite his new part-time schedule, Cena is still WWE’s biggest star. His time away from the spotlight has given others a chance to seize it as their own, and has gone a long way to relieving the fans’ fatigue. He still has his detractors, but they’re far less vocal than before, and his 16th world title victory will be a far easier pill to swallow than it would’ve been a year ago.

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.