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John Cena Returning For Final SmackDown Of 2022

"Variety" reported that John Cena will be making his next WWE return on the Dec. 30 episode of SmackDown!

By Ethan Absler
John Cena throwing up the peace sign while in the ring

WWE is trying to end 2022 in the biggest way it can, which means John Cena will be appearing on the Dec. 30 episode of SmackDown, the final WWE show before the new year. Variety was the first to break the news and reported that Cena will be appearing at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, and that more announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

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This will only be Cena’s second WWE appearance this year, although he hasn’t wrestled since his Universal Championship match at SummerSlam 2021 last August where he was defeated by the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Cena previously returned to RAW earlier this year to celebrate his 20th anniversary with the company where he reflected on his career and appeared in various backstage segments throughout the night including confronting Austin Theory.

Part of the reason Cena has been wrestling so rarely is because of his intense acting schedule, which has featured numerous hit films and TV shows in recent years such as “Fast and Furious” and “Blockers.” Cena is also scheduled for the next season of “Peacemaker” on HBO Max and starred in two new Netflix and new Peacock movies respectively. Because of these commitments, Cena was not allowed to wrestle due to fear of injury, which could result in pushing back the filming dates of his projects for him to recover.

Rumors are also running rampant online about a potential Logan Paul vs. John Cena match at next year’s WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles. However, a few things need to happen first before that is confirmed. Paul must recover from his torn MCL and Cena must have clearance to wrestle again with WWE.

We will find out later this month if the 16-time World Champ sets up for his next feud or just misses the WWE Universe, but we’re stoked to hear about the former Doctor of Thuganomics’ return and can’t wait to see him back in his natural environment.

You can rewatch all of your favorite John Cena moments on the WWE Network on Peacock!

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