At WrestleMania 41, John Cena made history, becoming the first-ever 17-time world champion. – according to WWE’s official championship record-keeping.
Despite his recent heel turn, Cena’s legacy as WWE’s biggest babyface of the past two decades is undeniable.
But with Cena preparing to hang up his boots, the question now is: who will replace him as WWE’s next era-defining babyface?
WrestleTalk considers these five stars who could play that role.
5. Cody Rhodes
It seems inevitable that Cody Rhodes will be the one to dethrone John Cena and reclaim the Undisputed WWE Title — possibly as soon as SummerSlam or Survivor Series.
But more than just taking the title back, Rhodes also feels like the natural successor to Cena as WWE’s next generational babyface.
Arguably, he’s already achieved that: Rhodes was on top during WWE’s most successful period since the Attitude Era – a run that has outperformed Cena’s time as the face of the company.
A win over Cena, followed by a torch-passing moment where Cena raises his hand, could cement that transition – officially marking Rhodes as the top babyface of this era.
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4. Myles Borne
Much has been made of the comparisons between NXT’s Myles Borne and Randy Orton — and not without reason, as Borne has clearly appropriated and adapted much of Orton’s signature moveset.
But Borne has something Orton arguably didn’t have much of early in his career – an inherent likability – he exudes natural babyface energy that audiences gravitate towards.
He’s certainly not the finished product, but recent weeks in NXT have showcased his potential — both in-ring and on the mic — to become a genuine top-tier babyface.
This may be more of a long-term project, but Borne could one day rise to the spot that John Cena once held.
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3. Oba Femi
On the subject of NXT stars with the potential to reach Cena’s level, Oba Femi firmly fits the bill.
The current NXT Champion has everything WWE have traditionally looked for in a top babyface – size, presence, natural charisma and an ability to work their main event style effectively.
Femi possesses all of Cena’s strengths, but with discernibly more in-ring polish – it’s hard to imagine fans ever chanting “You can’t wrestle” at him.
More than ready for a main roster call-up, could WWE strap the rocket to Femi and give him the kind of mega-push that once defined Cena’s rise in the mid-2000s?
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2. Trick Williams
When it comes to NXT stars with the potential to ascend to Cena-level babyface status, we would be remiss not to mention Trick Williams.
The former NXT Champion recently captured the TNA World Heavyweight Title and is now working across both promotions.
Early in his career, Williams drew Cena comparisons thanks to his tangible star charisma — interestingly, like Cena, he initially faced criticism for his in-ring work.
But with visible improvements inside the ropes and that same star presence, the question is: will WWE pull the trigger and make Williams a generational face of the company?
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1. Bron Breakker
On 26 May edition of Raw, Paul Heyman delivered his latest “spoiler,” declaring that Bron Breakker would main event WrestleManias 45 through 50.
Given Heyman’s track record of prophetic statements, this latest claim feels likely to become an eventual reality.
Currently positioned as one of WWE’s top heels, all signs point to a future babyface turn and a sustained mega-push.
The question remains however: does Breakker have that intangible “it factor” — the kind of crowd connection that made John Cena a generational star? He’s certainly receiving big crowd reactions, even as a heel so the early signs are there.
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