Possible Reason Why John Cena Isn't Wrestling At WWE SummerSlam 2022

Perhaps this explains the lack of follow up on John Cena's WWE Raw return...

by Andy H Murray
Peacemaker John Cena
HBO Max

Although John Cena was once heavily linked to a WWE SummerSlam 2022 (30 July) match with Theory, it now appears as though the 16-time World Champion won't be at the event at all.

Cena celebrated his 20th anniversary in professional wrestling on Raw's 6 June 2022 episode. A SummerSlam program would have likely had to kick off there, though the 45-year-old merely flirted with the idea of tension with Theory, whom he walked away from in a backstage segment.

Now, the premium live event is just over two weeks away. If Cena were to be involved, WWE would probably have announced it already, giving them plenty of time for one of their biggest draws to sell additional tickets.

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Perhaps Cena's acting schedule is the reason for his SummerSlam absence. Per Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, filming for season two of Peacemaker (the HBO Max series starring Cena as the eponymous lead) recently commenced. This new run of episodes is due to broadcast at some stage in 2023.

Cena seemed open to a wrestling return in his 6 June Raw promo, stating that if he comes back, it'll be for more than a single bout. For now, fans will have to wait.

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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.