John Cena will be back in action on the December 30th edition of Friday Night SmackDown when he teams with Kevin Owens to take on Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn.
The announcement came from the man himself on December 16th as he made sure that his streak of wrestling every year since making his debut in 2002 will continue. One of the biggest discussions whenever a huge star returns to WWE, is what their comeback in actually worth and whether it makes a tangible difference to TV ratings and live event ticket sales.
With regard to John Cena, it appears that the answer is a resounding yes.
John Cena Makes Big Impact On SmackDown Ticket Sales
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that in the days following Cena’s announcement, WWE sold an extra 4000 tickets.
“We always say, and it’s true, ‘It’s the brand and not the guy’, but John Cena is the exception. They’ve sold 4,000 tickets in Tampa since he was announced on that show, which is amazing. You know, he is the exception to the rule. If you’re wondering, ‘Is anyone a draw?’ It’s like, well, he is.”
Cena’s upcoming appearing on SmackDown has only added to speculation that he could also be in action at WrestleMania 39 in April 2023. The 16-time World Champion hasn’t wrestled at WrestleMania since 2020, but it has long been rumoured that could be about to change.
Although Cena will be filming a movie during February and March leaving him little time to appear on television, Meltzer commented that he is “probable” for WrestleMania.
“Cena’s not 100% either, by the way, but he’s got a movie in February and March, so he’s not going to be able to do a lot of TVs.
“I don’t know…he will do the show if he’s available, but it’s the same thing. He may have other things going on. I was told… I guess the best way to put it is Cena is a ‘probable’,”
As part of the same report, Meltzer stated that Dwayne Johnson was “possible” for the same event.
H/t to WrestlingNewsCo