Bully Ray Drops Bombshell Prediction: John Cena Poised for Major Future WWE Storyline Role
John Cena may have retired from in-ring competition, but WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray believes the 17-time world champion will play a pivotal role in future WWE storylines involving top stars like Cody Rhodes and Gunther.
Just days after John Cena’s emotional farewell at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, where he tapped out to Gunther in his final match, wrestling veteran Bully Ray shared intriguing insights on his “Busted Open Radio” podcast. The former ECW and WWE tag team star suggested Cena’s influence on WWE programming is far from over.
Bully Ray pointed to a potential scenario where Cena returns in a non-wrestling capacity to support Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. With Cena now serving as a WWE ambassador, appearances on television remain possible without stepping back into the ring.
“And one day, like a force ghost popping up, John Cena will return at the right moment to remind Cody who he is,” Bully Ray said. He specifically highlighted the ongoing dynamic between Cody Rhodes and Gunther, who just cemented his dominance by forcing Cena to submit.
This prediction comes at a time when WWE fans are still processing Cena’s retirement tour throughout 2025. The 48-year-old superstar announced his plans to hang up his boots earlier this year, culminating in a year-long farewell that included high-profile matches and emotional moments across Raw, SmackDown, and premium live events.
Cena’s final bout against “The Ring General” Gunther drew massive attention, with the Austrian powerhouse extending his legendary status by retiring one of WWE’s greatest icons. The clean submission finish sparked debate among fans, but Bully Ray praised the booking decision for elevating Gunther while allowing Cena to pass the torch gracefully.
For American wrestling enthusiasts, Cena’s legacy resonates deeply. As one of the most recognizable faces in sports entertainment, he has headlined WrestleMania multiple times, broken records for Make-A-Wish grants, and become a Hollywood crossover success. His retirement marks the end of an era, but Bully Ray’s comments suggest exciting chapters ahead.
Fans on social media have reacted with enthusiasm to the idea of Cena mentoring or aiding Cody Rhodes. Many see it as a perfect way to bridge generations, with “The American Nightmare” carrying the company flagship while occasionally drawing on Cena’s star power for major storylines.
WWE’s creative direction under Triple H has emphasized long-term storytelling, and incorporating Cena sporadically could keep audiences invested. This approach mirrors how legends like The Undertaker or Shawn Michaels have made impactful returns post-retirement.
The potential feud between Cody Rhodes and Gunther already looms large heading into 2026. If it materializes, Cena’s involvement—perhaps offering guidance or making a surprise appearance—could add layers of drama and nostalgia that appeal directly to U.S. viewers who grew up watching Cena dominate the Attitude Adjustment era.
Bully Ray’s track record of insightful commentary adds weight to his prediction. As a seasoned performer who understands WWE’s inner workings, his view that John Cena remains vital to future WWE storylines involving Cody Rhodes and Gunther has sparked widespread discussion among the wrestling community.
While Cena steps away from physical competition, his ambassador role ensures he stays connected to the product. This setup allows creative freedom for meaningful contributions without risking injury.
WWE continues to thrive in the United States, drawing millions of viewers weekly and packing arenas nationwide. Storylines featuring icons like Cena, even in limited capacity, help maintain that momentum and attract both longtime fans and new audiences discovering the product through streaming platforms.
As the company looks ahead to Royal Rumble season and beyond, Bully Ray’s bold take reminds everyone that John Cena’s impact on future WWE storylines—potentially alongside Cody Rhodes against threats like Gunther—could deliver unforgettable moments for years to come.
By Sam Michael
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