John Cena revealed that the original plan was for him to defeat Roman Reigns in a “wild, no-rules match” to win his 17th championship.

John Cena recently revealed a shocking twist about what could have been one of the biggest moments in wrestling history. According to Cena, the original creative plan called for him to defeat Roman Reigns in a “wild, no-rules match” to capture his record-breaking 17th world championship. For fans who have followed his legendary career, that revelation adds a fascinating “what if” chapter to the legacy of one of the industry’s greatest icons.
For years, Cena has been tied with Ric Flair at 16 recognized world title reigns, a number that has become symbolic of excellence in WWE. Breaking that record would not only cement his place in history but also create a defining generational moment. Roman Reigns, during his dominant run as champion, was positioned as the unstoppable “Tribal Chief,” making him the perfect opponent for such a milestone victory.
The idea of a no-rules match only intensifies the drama. A bout without disqualifications or count-outs suggests chaos—steel chairs crashing, tables splintering, and the kind of brutality that pushes both competitors to their limits. It would have symbolized more than just a title change; it would have represented a clash between eras. Cena, the face of Ruthless Aggression and PG dominance, versus Reigns, the modern-day powerhouse who redefined main-event storytelling.
Had the plan gone through, the visual of Cena standing tall after surviving a war with Reigns would have been unforgettable. A 17th championship win in that kind of environment would silence critics who claimed his time had passed. It would also create a powerful passing-of-the-torch—or perhaps a refusal to pass it—moment, depending on how the story unfolded afterward.
Instead, history took a different direction. Reigns continued to solidify his legendary run, while Cena transitioned more fully into his Hollywood career, making special appearances that remind fans of his enduring star power. Still, knowing that such a monumental match was once planned gives fans plenty to debate.
Would Cena’s victory have enhanced his legacy even further? Would it have altered Reigns’ historic championship reign? These unanswered questions keep the wrestling world buzzing. One thing is certain: even the plans that never happen can become part of wrestling lore. And in this case, the thought of John Cena winning number 17 in a wild, no-rules showdown against Roman Reigns is a scenario fans will be imagining for years to come.