Report: SAG-AFTRA Strike Led To John Cena's 'Unexpected' WWE Return
Outside forces led to Cena's most recent run.
Sep 4, 2023
John Cena's current WWE run wouldn't be possible without the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, according to a new report.
While Hollywood actors and writers march on the picket line, the 16-time world champion will be appearing at SmackDown tapings every Friday night from September 15 to October 27.
On top of that, Cena will compete at Superstar Spectacle in India on September 8, teaming with Seth Rollins to take on Imperium's Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser.
Per Fightful Select, Cena only became available due to the strikes and WWE reached an agreement to bring him in. The report cited one higher-up as saying they will wrap up everything that Cena is involved in, should the strike suddenly end.
At the moment there is no internal concern about him missing advertised dates, should the strike end. Also, while Cena is scheduled to attend SmackDown tapings, there are no guarantees he will always appear on television.
According to another recent report, WWE are considering booking Cena against Cody Rhodes during his return stint.
The Face That Runs the Place was heavily involved at this past Saturday's Payback pay-per-view, acting as the event's host as well as the special guest referee for LA Knight's victory over The Miz.
