John Cena Won't Return To WWE Until July?

In early January, John Cena suffered a shoulder injury that threw WrestleMania into disarray and threatened to put him on the shelf for between six and nine months. While Cena has shown an uncanny healing ability in the past and has returned from injuries way ahead of schedule, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that a July return date looks likely for the 15-time world champion. News of Cena's injury broke the first week of the year, and he underwent surgery on January 7. Prior to getting hurt, the multi-time WrestleMania headliner was scheduled to face The Undertaker in a "Battle of Legends" at this year's event. Given Cena's propensity for returning from injury early, many - including Vince McMahon - held out hope that WWE's top star would still be able to make the show. In early February, insiders got word that Cena wouldn't be able to participate, so a reportedly devastated McMahon gave his son, Shane, the spot against Undertaker. A July return would mean that Cena would be ready to compete at the Battleground Pay-Per-View. While WWE typically likes to bring returning talents back and slowly build to PPV matches, Cena's star power makes him an exception. The last time he was out with an injury, he returned straight into a World Heavyweight Championship match with Alberto Del Rio. Despite his rigorous rehab schedule, the Observer is reporting that Cena is likely to make a non-wrestling appearance at WrestleMania.