28-year-old former champion could be the next John Cena, according to ex-WWE star Maven

John Cena will be retiring from in-ring competition on December 13, but he's going to remain part of the WWE family as an ambassador. But who will follow in the footsteps of The GOAT and usher in a new era for the company? Former WWE star Maven has the 28-year-old Bron Breakker in mind.

After two years in developmental, Cena made his main roster debut in 2002 to kick off the Ruthless Aggression Era. He officially became the face of the company three years later after winning his first WWE Championship. 20 years later, he became The Never Seen 17 at WrestleMania 41.

On the latest episode of TMZ Sports' Inside The Ring podcast, Maven was asked if he sees a current WWE star who could be the next John Cena. The current YouTuber and former Tough Enough winner is looking forward to the Bron Breakker takeover.

"I'm looking forward to the career of Bron. I think Bron lends a bit of athleticism that we just have not seen. Just the intrigue, whenever I see a one-of-one person, and you know Bron's a one-of-one, God does not make many people like Bron Breakker (…) I'm looking forward to seeing where his career takes him. I saw him representing the company well, too (…) I saw him on ESPN a few months back and I was not expecting much out of him, and I left being like, 'Holy cow!' He is somehow the best of Rick [Steiner] and Scott [Steiner] and even improved. So, he's the one that I'm eagerly looking forward to," Maven said.

After two Intercontinental Championship reigns, Bron Breakker is ready for the spotlight. He's seemingly being positioned to be the next World Heavyweight Champion after John Cena's final match. Breakker is set to face CM Punk on the first episode of RAW for 2026.

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Gunther sends warning to John Cena

On Monday's episode of RAW, Gunther delivered a threat to John Cena ahead of their match at Saturday Night's Main Event. The Ring General promised to break Cena's spirit and make him give up in his retirement match.

"I'm gonna push you around. I'm gonna bully you. I'm gonna drop you on your head, and then I'm gonna wrap my arms around your neck, and I'm gonna squeeze, I'm gonna squeeze with everything I have until the last bit of hustle, loyalty and respect has left your body. Until there's only one way out, until I force you to do the one thing that you said you'll never do. I'm gonna force you to give up," Gunther said.

While Cena was known for not tapping out during his prime run in WWE, he did get submitted early in his career by Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, and Chris Benoit.

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