Mysterio Vs Cena WrestleMania Rumor Has To Be A Red Herring

On the February 26 episode of Monday Night Raw, John Cena issued what appeared to be a challenge to The Undertaker, only for him to add a little bit later that the WWE isn't going to allow such a match to happen. The next day on SmackDown, Cena appeared, just as promised, with another plan to get on the road to WrestleMania – that plan was to wrestle AJ Styles for a chance to make the WWE Championship match at Fastlane into a six-way. Much to the chagrin of some fans, Cena won, and not long after that match, rumors swirled that Rey Mysterio was backstage at SmackDown Live to talk contract and a possible match against Cena at WrestleMania 34. So does that mean the WWE Universe will have to settle for Big Match John vs. Rey-Rey as a consolation after the Cena vs. 'Taker plans ostensibly fell through?

Before we proceed any further, we must mention that at the time of this writing, Rey Mysterio is reportedly sidelined with a left biceps injury. This news had broken on Sunday, and depending on the severity of the injury, Mysterio could be out for anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Either way, the chances of Mysterio having a marquee match at WrestleMania are now extremely slim, but let's assume he didn't get hurt at that independent show in Connecticut, as reports are saying. Would he be back at 'Mania to face Cena?

We believe the answer is "no," and that it's a classic example of a red herring – an attempt at misdirection to increase the hype and mystique that is already surrounding the potential Cena vs. Undertaker match at WrestleMania 34. Fans of Mysterio may be hoping against hope that his injury is a red herring itself – everyone, after all, loves a good surprise return at WrestleMania, and last year, The Hardy Boyz did their part to misdirect the dirt sheets by making them believe that they wouldn't be competing at WrestleMania 33. Of course, they ended up making their big WWE return at that event, and it made for a great mark-out moment for a lot of fans. But let's go back to Rey once again – we don't really doubt that he's hurt, but we aren't 100 percent sure whether his injury is being exaggerated to hype up a big surprise at 'Mania. Nonetheless, Cena vs. Mysterio simply cannot hold a candle to Cena vs. 'Taker, regardless whether the master of the 619 is healthy or not.

Mysterio was a huge draw back in the day, and the fact that he isn't retired at the age of 43 means that a lot of fans want to see him back in the WWE for what could be one final run. He's a good candidate for the WWE Hall of Fame once he ultimately retires, but in terms of overall greatness, he's not 'Taker. The Undertaker once won 21 straight times at WrestleMania, and while he was seemingly retired by Roman Reigns at last year's 'Mania, he has yet to officially hang up the boots. That means he just might have one more match in him, and what better candidate for a final opponent than the man who tied Ric Flair's record for most world championships in WWE history.

Let's be realistic here – John Cena vs. The Undertaker probably will not be a five-star classic a la 'Taker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXV and XXVI. 'Taker turns 53 later this month, and to be brutally honest, his recent 'Mania matches have not been easy on the eyes of wrestling fans. The Deadman's body is clearly breaking down after three decades in the wrestling business, and while Cena can have great matches against the right opponent, he's no spring chicken either at 40. Whether he wants to admit it or not, he's now in part-timer territory, and only more visible these days because we're on the Road to WrestleMania.

A potential Cena vs. 'Taker match will not make Dave Meltzer jump up and down like it's Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada, or even Cien Almas vs. Johnny Gargano. But it a) allows the Deadman to end his wrestling career against a surefire future Hall of Famer who (unlike Roman Reigns) has proven himself in the WWE ring for over 15 years, b) gives something for the casual fans to look forward to. You can expect that match to be confirmed soon after Fastlane, and as far as John Cena vs. Rey Mysterio is concerned, Mysterio's injury guarantees that rumors of that match will die down sooner than they already were expected to.