John Cena Returning To WWE SmackDown Later This Month

2019 marked the first year John Cena didn't compete on a WWE pay-per-view since 2002. The Doctor Of Thuganomics also barely featured on WWE TV last year as he only wrestled in two matches on Raw and hasn't been on the company's flagship show since the Raw Reunion episode in July.

Fans won't have to wait very long to see the 16-time world champion again, however, as

that Cena will be returning to WWE on the February 28 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

While there has been no announcement as to why Cena is returning to the company, it would seemingly be to build towards a match at WrestleMania 36. The Cenation leader lives close to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida and told

that he will be at The Showcase Of The Immortals.

Cena said: "Performing at WrestleMania this year would be a gift. I haven't been intertwined in the machine of the WWE. I know those WrestleMania spots are few and far between. I've expressed that I'm off but I've also expressed that I live in Tampa. I will for sure be at the event and I have great trust in the process and I have great faith in Vince McMahon not only as a boss, but as so much more than that. As a friend, as a mentor.

"If he were to tell me that he needs me, I would absolutely be active in whatever capacity, whether it would be like last year in New York rapping my way to the ring or the year before being a fan in the stands. There is no job too small."