WWE had previously announced John Cena for the final SmackDown of 2022, which will take place on December 30 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
According to a new report from Fightful Select, there has been talk within WWE, and even plans in the works, to incorporate Cena into upcoming SmackDown episodes in preparation for his in-person return on December 30.
There’s no official word on specifics, but some of the discussed ideas include a “video presence” of some sort.
This was also mentioned as one of several ideas teased to hype up SmackDown this week. The Cena appearance in Tampa will be heavily promoted over the next two weeks, as WWE officials want the December 30 show to be a “must-see” event.
Variety, which broke the Cena return story, previously reported that WWE will make more announcements for the final SmackDown of 2022 in the coming weeks.
WWE has also advertised for the show Bray Wyatt, SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey, Liv Morgan, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos, and Sami Zayn.
Cena is expected to compete at WrestleMania 39 in April. He made an appearance on WWE RAW in June to commemorate his 20th anniversary with WWE, but has not wrestled since teaming with The Mysterios for a dark match win over The Bloodline at the September 10, 2021 SmackDown, which came three weeks after he was defeated by Reigns at SummerSlam 2021.
