3 Superstars Who Can Attack On John Cena At WWE Payback 2023
The WWE Universe is buzzing with anticipation after John Cena. The 16-time World Champion made a grand return on this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Not only did he open the show, but Cena also revealed that he would be hosting WWE Payback on September 2. While hosting duties alone would typically be enough for some superstars, this is John Cena we’re talking about. With a bullseye painted on his back, it’s almost inevitable that he will find himself caught in some physical confrontations during the event.
One potential adversary for Cena is Austin Theory, who’s already set to grapple with Rey Mysterio for the United States Championship at Payback. Fans haven’t forgotten the humiliation Cena suffered at the hands of Theory with a low blow that led to a defeat at WrestleMania 39. Cena may just take this opportunity to get his retribution and pay back Theory in kind.
But Austin Theory isn’t the only WWE talent with some unsettled business with Cena. Grayson Waller, known as the ‘Arrogant Aussie,’ also has a bone to pick with the WWE legend. During Cena’s last appearance, the two shared a heated segment that ended with Waller on the receiving end of an Attitude Adjustment. The animosity continued even in the lead-up to Cena’s return, with Waller taking a public dig by suggesting that Cena is coming back merely to get a career boost from him. However, Waller is booked for a segment with special guest Cody Rhodes at Payback. Whether this segment serves as a platform for Waller to reignite his feud with Cena or not, drama is sure to follow.
Even Jimmy Uso, who clashed with Cena during the opening segment of this week’s SmackDown, is a potential surprise appearance at Payback. Both superstars didn’t hold back their feelings, trading barbs and almost coming to blows. Jimmy Uso had just tried to justify betraying his brother Jey Uso at SummerSlam when Cena bluntly suggested that it should’ve been Jimmy who quit the WWE. Tempers flared, and it was Cena who got the upper hand, flattening Jimmy with an Attitude Adjustment. There’s a palpable tension here that could easily spill over into the Payback event.
While it’s yet to be seen whether Cena will be more than just a host at Payback, history suggests that Cena rarely takes a backseat when drama unfolds. Cena’s potential run-ins with Austin Theory, Grayson Waller, and Jimmy Uso not only add layers of intrigue to the Payback event but also attest to Cena’s long-standing drawing power. He may have returned as a host, but with scores to settle, fans can reasonably expect Cena to turn Payback into his personal battleground. Whatever happens, WWE Payback 2023 promises to be an event filled with surprises, drama, and potentially, a few Attitude Adjustments.
