Bobby Lashley To Replace John Cena In WWE Crown Jewel World Cup?

WWE should confirm Lashley as Cena's replacement on tonight's Raw.

by Andy H Murray
bobby lashley
WWE.com

WWE's controversial Crown Jewel pay-per-view takes place this Friday (2 November), but a John Cena-shaped hole remains in the World Cup following the 16-time World Champion's apparent refusal to compete in Saudi Arabia.

Fortunately, it looks like WWE have their replacement in mind, with the typically reliable WrestleVotes claiming Bobby Lashley will take his place in the eight-man tournament:-

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This is despite new reports that Lashley is currently working through a separated shoulder on Monday Night Raw. Per the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, Lio Rush's charge is in a lot of pain, but it's currently unclear whether or not he'll actually be forced to miss time as a result.

As has already been suggested, WWE will almost certainly confirm this substitution as part of a TV angle on tonight's Raw. Whether that means Lashley competing in a qualifying bout remains to be seen, though there's no mention of the situation on WWE's official preview, nor anywhere else on their website.

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Lashley's renewed push and purpose alongside Rush make him a sensible replacement, albeit a predictable one, and given the glorified house show feel of April's Greatest Royal Rumble, his participation isn't likely to put significant strain on that injured shoulder.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.