John Cena Addresses Criticism Over WWE’s Aging Main Event Scene

John Cena is weighing in on the criticism that WWE’s main event scene has been dominated by older stars, and he says there isn’t just one reason behind it.

While speaking to SHAK Wrestling, Cena was asked why WWE has gone nearly a decade without a world champion under 30. Cena said part of the answer comes down to his own generation lasting much longer than normal at the top.

“Oh goodness. I don’t think one reason points in that direction. It could be someone like me who had an unprecedented stay of 23 years. Keep in mind, that’s not the usual career length of a WWE champion and superstar.”

Cena then pointed to his class of stars, including Randy Orton, Batista, and Brock Lesnar, as an unusual group that stayed successful for a very long time. In his view, that longevity naturally took up main event spots for years.

“And alongside me, Randy Orton side by side—I know Dave Batista had a little bit of a shorter run, and Brock Lesnar in and out—but that class that you spoke of so highly, man, we had an anomaly of longevity and success, and that takes up time and spots.”

With Cena, Batista, and Lesnar either finished or mostly gone, Cena said WWE is now entering a transition period. However, he noted that the new main event spots will still go to performers who are seasoned and already connecting with the audience.

“So now you’re talking about as we phase out—and certainly my chapter’s done, Batista’s chapter is done—Brock, Randy’s kind of the only one left—but now new performers are going to get those spots, and those are going to go to the most seasoned performers that connect with the audience, and they just happen to be a little bit on the older scale.”

The 17-time World Champion also made it clear he is not ruling out WWE crowning a younger world champion soon. He said the company has plenty of younger talent ready to rise.

“Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t think we’re ruling out the possibility of a young champion in the very near future, because we are loaded with youth, speed, and talent.”

Cena’s comments line up with Cody Rhodes’ recent take on the same topic. Rhodes argued that WWE’s current main event scene is not old, but experienced, pointing to names like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Randy Orton, and himself as proof that WWE is leaning on proven performers.

For now, Cena seems to believe WWE is simply moving through a natural shift. The previous generation lasted longer than most; the current main eventers are experienced, and the next wave of younger talent may not be far behind.

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What do you think about John Cena’s explanation for WWE’s older main event scene? Do you think WWE needs a younger world champion soon? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.

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