The face of the franchise will miss the marquee WWE event of 2016.
John Cena revealed on Twitter that he needs to undergo shoulder surgery, which will likely sideline him for WrestleMania 32 on April 3 at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The WWE confirmed the news in an Instagram post and the Cenation leader was dealing with a torn rotator cuff, according to PWInsider.
WWE Soiling Rumble Match By Making It For World Championship
Rather upside down start to 2016 as tomorrow I will head to Birmingham for shoulder surgery. Life's full of set backs but #nevergiveup
— John Cena (@JohnCena) January 7, 2016
The injury isn't believed to be a work, so the "Cenation" leader is unlikely for the "Show of Shows." That means his rumored opponent, The Undertaker, will have to battle someone different at the biggest event of the year.
A photo posted by WWE (@wwe) on Jan 6, 2016 at 7:00pm PST
Here are five potential opponents for "The Deadman" at WrestleMania 32.
Possible Surprise Entrants For Royal Rumble Match
1) Roman Reigns
This would provide a fresh, interesting matchup as these two have never crossed paths one-on-one in the ring. Reigns has improved greatly over the past year, and mixing it up with a veteran like The Undertaker will only help him further. If Reigns escapes the Royal Rumble as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, they could even add a Title vs. Career stipulation, which would either give Reigns the rub by knocking off The Undertaker for good, or give the "Demon from Death Valley" one final WrestleMania crowning moment.
2) Sting
This is the one match that always seemed like it would happen, but for whatever reason, it hasn't. The WWE even had both available on the same show at WrestleMania 31 last March, but opted to have them battle different opponents. With both men residing in Texas, a battle at the Cowboys home between the face of WCW and one of WWE's greatest icons would tear the house down, if Sting is healthy.
3) Daniel Bryan
"The Beard" has been clamoring for a match with Brock Lesnar, but it's unlikely the WWE will put Bryan in a bout with "The Beast" given his injury history and Lesnar's physical style in the ring. If Bryan is ever cleared to return to the WWE (don't hold your breath), he could face a safer opponent in the 50-year-old "Deadman." This could also be a unique match and would tear the WWE Universe apart given The Undertaker's legendary status and Bryan's popularity with the fans.
4) Bray Wyatt
"The Eater of Worlds" got a crack at The Undertaker last year, but, as usual with him in big matches, he came up short. If this truly proves to be The Undertaker's final WrestleMania clash, he could help propel Wyatt into the upper echelon of talents. It would be huge for the menacing Wyatt go over 'Taker cleanly at the biggest show of the year.
5) 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin
This is a long shot, but if the "Texas Rattlesnake" was to ever have one more match in the ring, his home state of Texas would be the place for it. Austin previously teased a match with Brock Lesnar, but there could be big money in him renewing a rivalry with The Undertaker. The WWE would risk a mutiny from the fans against 'Taker if Austin returns, but this match headlining will surely draw fans to AT&T Stadium in droves.
