WWE has reportedly been pitching an idea where John Cena would be a “free agent” when he returns and would be able to appear on both SmackDown and Raw, according to PWInsider.
Cena will make his return on the July 4 episode of SmackDown. He last appeared at WrestleMania on April 2 and has been shooting two movies (Daddy’s Home 2 and The Pact) and the reality show American Grit.
Cena has been a consistent major draw and ratings-getter for WWE, so having him appear on both shows doesn’t seem like a bad idea to help boost Raw’s sinking ratings.
Update:
WWE just confirmed that Cena will be a “free agent” in a promo video that aired on tonight’s Raw:
The one and only @JohnCena RETURNS to #SDLive on the #4thOfJuly at 8/7c on @USA_Network! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Qxz7TAmmZH
— WWE (@WWE) June 13, 2017
WWE RAW Notes: Paul Heyman Out “Indefinitely” After Seth Rollins Attack, Bayley Wins Shot at WWE Women’s IC Title, Danhausen Appears & Curses Original El Grande Americano, Finn Balor Splits from Judgement Day & Gets Beaten Up, Women’s IC Title Match and More for 3/16 Show Card
Various: Bandido vs. Amazing Red Set for HOG Culture Clash, Timothy Thatcher Set for GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XV, Hayabusa II vs. Atticus Cogar for GCW World Title Set for GCW Joey Janela’s Spring Break X, Indies/Misc.
WWE NXT Ratings – March 3, 2026 – Slightly Up



