Why John Cena Hasn’t Appeared on WWE Television Ahead of Royal Rumble

John Cena has been missing from WWE TV in the lead-up to the 2025 Royal Rumble, and now the reason behind his absence has been revealed.

While many assumed Cena would be making regular appearances on WWE programming during his year-long farewell tour, the 16-time world champion has been busy with a major Hollywood project.

According to PWInsider, Cena has been in Budapest, Hungary, filming for the upcoming Matchbox movie, a live-action film inspired by the classic toy car brand. Reports first linked Cena to the project in September 2024, and production is now in full swing.

The film is being produced under the Skydance, Apple, and Mattel Films umbrella, with Mattel continuing its push into the movie industry after the massive success of Barbie in 2023. Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger are leading the production, along with Robbie Brenner of Mattel Films.

Cena has already confirmed that his final Royal Rumble appearance will take place on February 1, but with his Hollywood commitments keeping him off WWE TV, fans are left wondering if he’ll show up with any surprise appearances before the big event.

John Cena’s Hollywood grind isn’t slowing down, but neither is his WWE farewell tour. With Matchbox keeping him overseas, it’s clear why he hasn’t been around leading up to the Royal Rumble. But the big question remains—will he make a last-minute return before the event, or is he rolling straight into Indianapolis on February 1 without a warm-up? Cena’s balancing act between Hollywood and WWE is nothing new, but as his retirement tour heats up, fans are eager to see how he’ll juggle both worlds.

. What do you think—will Cena drop a surprise before the Rumble, or will we have to wait until he enters the match? Let us know your thoughts!