John Cena, the 16-time world champion and one of the most popular WWE superstars of all time, made a shocking return to Friday Night SmackDown on September 22, 2023. Cena had not been seen on WWE television since Wrestlemania 39, where he lost to Austin Theory in a United States Championship match. Cena had been busy with his Hollywood career, starring in blockbuster movies such as The Suicide Squad 2 and Fast and Furious 10.
But Cena could not stay away from the WWE Universe for long. He appeared on the final segment of SmackDown, where he grabbed a microphone and addressed the fans in attendance and around the world. He said he missed them and he missed being in the ring. He said he was back for one reason: to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship.
Roman Reigns responds to Cena’s challenge
Roman Reigns, the reigning Universal Champion and the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief of WWE, was not impressed by Cena’s return. Reigns had just defeated AJ Styles in a hard-fought main event match, with the help of his cousins Jimmy and Jey Uso. Reigns had also confronted The Rock earlier in the night, who had made a special appearance on SmackDown to promote his new movie Jungle Cruise 2.
Reigns came out to the stage with his title and his family by his side. He told Cena that he was not worthy of facing him. He said Cena was a part-timer who only showed up when he needed to promote his movies. He said Cena was a has-been who could not keep up with him. He said Cena was a joke who relied on cheap pops and catchphrases. He said Cena was nothing compared to him, the head of the table and the best wrestler in the world.
Cena did not back down from Reigns’ insults. He fired back with some of his own. He said Reigns was a coward who hid behind his cousins. He said Reigns was a liar who betrayed his family and his fans. He said Reigns was a fraud who copied his moves and his attitude. He said Reigns was a failure who could not fill his shoes or carry his legacy. He said Reigns was afraid of him, because he knew he could beat him.
Cena then challenged Reigns to a match at Hell in a Cell, the next pay-per-view event on October 8, 2023. He said he wanted to face Reigns inside the demonic structure, where there would be no escape and no interference. He said he wanted to prove to Reigns and everyone else that he was still the best in the business. He said he wanted to make history by becoming a 17-time world champion, surpassing Ric Flair’s record.
Reigns laughed at Cena’s challenge. He said he accepted it, but only because he wanted to end Cena’s career once and for all. He said he would make Cena regret ever coming back to WWE. He said he would make Cena suffer inside Hell in a Cell. He said he would make Cena acknowledge him as his superior and as the true Greatest of All Time.
The WWE Universe reacts to Cena’s return and challenge
The WWE Universe was stunned by Cena’s return and challenge. Social media exploded with reactions from fans, celebrities, and fellow wrestlers. Many expressed their excitement and anticipation for the match between Cena and Reigns, which was dubbed as “The Dream Match”. Some praised Cena for his courage and determination, while others criticized him for his arrogance and desperation. Some supported Reigns for his dominance and confidence, while others condemned him for his arrogance and disrespect.
The match between Cena and Reigns was officially announced by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon on Twitter. He said it would be the main event of Hell in a Cell, and it would be one of the biggest matches in WWE history. He said it would be a clash of generations, a battle of icons, and a war of egos. He said it would be a match that no one would want to miss.
