5 Replacements for John Cena on WWE SmackDown amid ongoing rumors

John Cena might make his last appearance in the upcoming SmackDown. [Image credits: WWE.com & star Instagram]
John Cena might make his last appearance in the upcoming SmackDown. [Image credits: WWE.com & star Instagram]

The upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown will take place at Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL, and John Cena is already scheduled to appear. The Cenation Leader's presence is indeed something fans are eagerly awaiting, but a surprising rumor suggests it could be Cena's last appearance on the blue brand.

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Although there is no official announcement yet, following this week's Friday Night Show, The Franchise Player is expected to be exclusively a RAW star. In this article, we will discuss five replacements for John Cena if the upcoming show turns out to be his final appearance on the blue brand.


#5. Tony D'Angelo could receive a main roster call-up

Tony D'Angelo is praised heavily backstage for his work in NXT. The former NXT North American Champion is also the only person to have pinned Oba Femi. According to a recent report from JoeyVotes and TC, there are discussions about the 30-year-old receiving a main roster call-up soon.

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With Cena about to conclude his journey on SmackDown, Tony might make his debut on the show. The Stamford-based promotion can book him effectively and consider him as a potential replacement for The Franchise Player.


#4. Rey Mysterio

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It's been a long time since fans have seen Rey Mysterio competing on WWE television. The last time he wrestled was on the April 18, 2025, episode of SmackDown. Since then, he has only appeared at a live event in Mexico City and has yet to make his full comeback.

However, with the current situation of John Cena, it's possible that The Master of 619 might return to the Friday Night Show and step in as a replacement for the veteran.

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Mysterio has a huge fan base and could be a perfect replacement for the former Undisputed WWE Champion.


#3. Ilja Dragunov

Ilja Dragunov was sidelined from WWE television due to a real-life injury he suffered last year in September. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for the comeback of The Mad Dragon. As per a latest report from PWInsider, the former NXT Champion is either close to 100% or is already medically cleared to return to the ring.

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If these reports are accurate, WWE might bring Ilja to the SmackDown roster, especially since this week's blue brand show could be the last one for John Cena.


#2. Otis

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Amid a hiatus from WWE, Otis made his presence in AAA alongside Omos. The 33-year-old is part of Monday Night RAW and suffered a loss against Rusev on May 5, 2025. Since then, he has been absent and has not yet returned to WWE television.

Instead of a return to Monday Night RAW, Triple H could bring Otis to the blue brand. Otis is a fan favorite and can serve as a replacement for John Cena ahead of his rumored final presence.

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#1. Time for Tama Tonga's WWE SmackDown return?

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Tama Tonga is also out of action from the sports entertainment juggernaut due to a real-life injury. All his allies are now part of the MFT faction and working with Solo Sikoa on the blue brand.

So if Tama has recovered and is ready to make his comeback, the promotion should bring him back on the Friday Night Show. Tama Tonga's inclusion in the My Family Tree storyline could make things more interesting, and he can be a contender for Cena's potential replacement on SmackDown.

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Edited by Neda Ali
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