John Cena vs. Theory in the works for SummerSlam?

John Cena vs. Theory is a SummerSlam matchup that has already been teased, is reportedly in the works and would make perfect sense.

When John Cena makes his return to WWE programming later this month, it might not be just to celebrate 20 years with the company.

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Cena could be sticking around at least long enough to go head to head with one of WWE’s youngest stars at SummerSlam.

While this has not been confirmed to us by the company, the talk in wrestling is that it will be Cena vs. Theory at SummerSlam with the idea that working with Cena will bring Theory up to a higher level.

The seeds for a Cena-Theory program have already been planted in various places around social media. A recent example cane when Cena did a TikTok Q&A and gave Theory as the answer for questions about his favorite current WWE Superstar and the Superstar most in need of an Attitude Adjustment.

 

@wwe Why can’t you see #JohnCena ? We asked him why in this exclusive Q&A! #WWE #CenaMonth ♬ original sound – WWE

Theory didn’t wait long to respond on Twitter.

A matchup between the two would make perfect business sense. Cena is at the point of his career where it’s a big deal when he shows up, but his even greater value to WWE is helping elevate promising young talent. The 24-year-old Theory certainly qualifies on that front, and while he’s already the youngest ever United States Champion, he’d stand to benefit tremendously from a victory over a WWE legend at one of the biggest shows of the year.

Theory is also part of the Raw roster, and Cena’s WWE return is taking place in just a few weeks on the June 27 episode of Raw from Laredo, Texas. If a Cena-Theory match for SummerSlam is going to happen, expect the ball to get rolling on it that night on USA.

WWE Hell in a Cell: Everything you need to know

Get ready for WWE Hell in a Cell with our preview, including predictions for each match, start time, how to watch and more.

WWE fans in the Chicago area, get ready to go on lockdown. Hopefully the fun kind, in this case, as the Allstate Arena prepares to host Hell in a Cell on Sunday, June 5.

Similar to Money in the Bank, Hell in a Cell has evolved over the years into an entire event themed around its namesake gimmick match. But that’s where the similarities end; while MITB is now a major show with ramifications that echo far down the road, HIAC feels like something of an afterthought. To wit, this year’s card features only two title matches and just one appearance by the Cell itself.

That said, WWE premium live events that look forgettable on paper sometimes surprise to the upside thanks to the hard work of the talent, and the potential for that in 2022 begins with Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins inside Hell in a Cell. WWE has consistently positioned Rhodes as a top star since his return, and Rollins is as reliable a main event performer as the company has.

The show will also pay off the most entertaining subplot on WWE programming since WrestleMania when Kevin Owens faces Ezekiel. Owens is a gem both in the ring and on the microphone, but he has taken his character to the next level with his paranoia-fueled disbelief over the true identity of Ezekiel. If you needed proof that excellent pro wrestling storytelling can happen at any part of the card, this is it.

It’s possible that WWE could still add a match or two during SmackDown this week, in which case we’ll update our preview with the latest. In the meantime, read on to get up to speed on everything you need to know for Hell in a Cell 2022.

WWE Hell in a Cell 2022

  • When: Sunday, June 5
  • Where: Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Ill.
  • Start time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
  • How to watch: On Peacock in the U.S., or on WWE Network internationally
  • Matches announced: 6