We have noted prior that there is some backstage concern surrounding John Cena and his availability in 2017 for the WWE. Cena has had a lot of success outside of the wrestling business in 2016 and has just signed on to star in a new movie set to shoot next year.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscribe here), Cena is scheduled to return for the WWE’s house show in Madison Square Garden on December 26th. Cena is expected to be back working with WWE after this date (on Smackdown Live).

What is interesting about this story is that he is reportedly penciled in to continue his storyline with WWE World Champion: AJ Styles. Styles and Cena have put on some great matches together in 2016, including a match of the year contender at Summerslam.

The idea is that Cena will be trying to tie the record of Ric Flair and his 16 World Championships. Cena currently sits second all-time at 15.

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This is just speculation on my part but since we know Cena has a busy 2017 planned outside of wrestling, I could see him winning the title at the Royal Rumble against Styles to tie the record. He would lose the belt at Wrestlemania 33 to whoever WWE wants to be the next title holder. This would allow Cena to tie the record of Flair and not have to be the champion long-term.

It will be interesting to see what happens considering there was a lot of speculation about an AJ Styles vs Undertaker match at the Royal Rumble. Guess we will have to wait and see how it all plays out!

Let us know what you think in the comment section below.