The WWE universe has been here before. A dominant superstar reigns supreme, a franchise player defines an era, and then one burning question rises: Who is next? When John Cena was at the peak of his career, carrying WWE from arenas to mainstream talk shows, few doubted that he was the face of the company. Now, with Roman Reigns gradually approaching a crossroads, fans are already speculating about who will inherit that mantle. Two names dominate the conversation: Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.

The debate is fierce, the fan camps are divided, and the stakes have never been higher. Could either Rhodes or Rollins truly be the next Cena-level icon—or is WWE still searching?

The Cena Standard: What It Means to Be “The Face of WWE”

Before the torch can be passed, one has to define the standard. Cena wasn’t just a champion. He was a phenomenon. From 2005 through the 2010s, he embodied loyalty, hustle, respect, and most importantly, consistency. He drew ratings, sold merchandise at record levels, and became a household name outside wrestling. Talk shows, movies, charity work—Cena wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a global ambassador.

Being the “next Cena” is not about who can win titles. It’s about who can carry the company on their back, withstand boos and cheers, headline every major pay-per-view, and still smile for the cameras at 7 a.m. press tours. Roman Reigns has held that responsibility in the modern era. But who comes after him?

Cody Rhodes: The American Nightmare’s Pursuit of Destiny

When Cody Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38, the energy was electric. He wasn’t just the son of Dusty Rhodes anymore—he was the man who left, built himself on the independent scene, helped launch AEW, and came back with unfinished business. Fans instantly connected with the narrative of redemption.

Cody has several advantages that make him a candidate for Cena’s throne. He’s a natural babyface, much like Cena was in the mid-2000s. His promos are emotional, raw, and often laced with a sense of authenticity that connects with casual and hardcore fans alike. His “finish the story” mantra resonates deeply. Cena was the ultimate storyteller, and Cody has picked up that mantle with precision.

Moreover, WWE has positioned Cody as the man who could ultimately dethrone Roman Reigns. If that moment happens at WrestleMania, the visual of Cody holding the undisputed championship aloft could be the defining shot of a new era—much like Cena’s iconic 2005 win against JBL.

Still, questions linger. Can Cody withstand the grind of being the top guy year after year? Cena rarely took time off, delivering in main events every week for over a decade. Cody has battled injuries already, and some critics worry about his durability. The next Cena must be bulletproof, in both performance and perception.

Seth Rollins: The Architect Turned Standard-Bearer

If Cody represents heart and story, Seth Rollins represents endurance and evolution. Rollins has been WWE’s workhorse for over a decade, reinventing himself again and again while never stepping out of the main-event conversation. From his days with The Shield to his current flamboyant, self-proclaimed “Visionary” persona, Rollins has proven he can adapt to any era.

Rollins also has one major advantage over Cody: he’s already carried the company during gaps. When injuries sidelined Reigns or Brock Lesnar took breaks, it was Rollins who headlined house shows, delivered five-star matches, and gave fans consistency. That echoes Cena’s ability to keep WWE running smoothly even when the roster was unstable.

Beyond that, Rollins brings a polarizing aura. Like Cena, he’s both beloved and booed, sometimes within the same match. That duality might just be the secret ingredient for longevity. Cena became “Super Cena” despite divided reactions, and Rollins could thrive in the same role. His durability is legendary—he rarely misses major shows due to injury and seems to grow stronger as the spotlight intensifies.

Yet Rollins has never truly crossed into mainstream stardom. While Cena broke into Hollywood, Rollins remains primarily a wrestling figure. If WWE wants another global ambassador, Rollins must prove he can reach beyond the squared circle.

The Fan Divide: Cody vs. Seth

This is where it gets heated. On one side, you have the Cody loyalists who argue that WWE needs a fresh face to carry the brand. To them, Cody represents the emotional investment fans crave. His connection to his father Dusty adds gravitas, and his underdog narrative makes his rise more satisfying.

On the other side, the Rollins army insists that Seth has already been doing the heavy lifting for years. They argue it would be an insult to overlook the man who has delivered classic after classic, all while maintaining his spot at the top. In their eyes, Cody is the Hollywood return story, but Rollins is the true backbone of WWE.

Social media is buzzing with debates, and fan wars are intensifying. Who is more marketable? Who sells more merchandise? Who does the crowd cheer louder for? It’s a conversation eerily reminiscent of the early Cena years, when the audience was split between embracing and rejecting him. That same energy fuels this debate, making it viral bait for fans who can’t resist defending their chosen hero.

Backstage Buzz: WWE’s Calculated Gamble

Behind the curtain, insiders note that WWE is carefully testing the waters. Cody is often given high-profile matches and storylines tied directly to Roman, hinting at a coronation. Meanwhile, Rollins has been trusted with the World Heavyweight Championship, a belt designed to be the “workhorse title.”

It’s almost as if WWE is letting fans decide. If Cody wins the Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania and carries momentum beyond the summer, he may be positioned as the next Cena. But if Rollins continues to steal the show every night, WWE might pivot and crown him the long-term leader.

The truth? WWE loves the debate. Controversy and fan arguments equal attention, and attention equals money. The “next Cena” question isn’t just about the future—it’s a marketing strategy in itself.

What About Roman Reigns?

The shadow of Roman Reigns looms large. Cena passed the torch to Roman, at least symbolically, during their epic clashes. But Roman’s story as the Tribal Chief feels closer to its final chapters than its beginning. WWE knows they need a succession plan.

If Cody and Rollins are the top candidates, could the company also be holding out for someone else? A rising star like Bron Breakker or even a returning megastar could shake the entire conversation. Cena himself often said the future wasn’t always predictable, and WWE thrives on shock value.

The Final Question: Can Either Man Be “The Guy”?

So, who is the next Cena? Cody Rhodes, with his emotional connection and destiny-driven story, seems like the fairy-tale successor. Seth Rollins, with his proven track record and adaptability, seems like the pragmatic choice.

The answer may not be simple. Maybe WWE doesn’t need “the next Cena.” Maybe the future belongs to a new model where multiple stars share the spotlight. But if history is any indication, fans want a single name to embody an era. Right now, that race is down to two.

And the fans will keep fighting over it—tweeting, chanting, arguing in forums—ensuring the debate goes viral long before WWE makes its official choice.