John Cena’s road to SummerSlam will be an unusually quiet one for a reigning champion. Despite a major title defense looming, Cena is currently scheduled for only one television appearance ahead of the August premium live event, a direct result of his commitments outside of WWE.
The limited schedule comes as Cena prepares for a highly anticipated WWE Championship rematch against Cody Rhodes. The bout at SummerSlam on August 2 and 3 follows Cena’s recent victory over CM Punk at the Night of Champions event on June 28.
According to a report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the reason for the champion’s absence is that he is currently filming a Netflix movie titled “Little Brother.” His only advertised appearance on WWE programming before the title defense is the July 18 episode of SmackDown.
This balancing act between his wrestling and acting careers is happening during Cena’s announced retirement tour. The 17-time world champion is in his final year as an in-ring competitor, with his farewell match planned for mid-December. This makes every appearance crucial as he winds down his legendary career.
Cena’s current run is also defined by his first major heel turn, a seismic character shift that has reshaped his final chapter in WWE. His on-screen scarcity, combined with this new persona, adds a unique and unpredictable dynamic to his reign heading into one of the summer’s biggest matches.