John Cena has the opportunity to become a 16-time WWE World Champion at No Mercy when he faces current champ A.J. Styles and Dean Ambrose in a Triple Threat Match. The latest rumors have revealed a huge update regarding Cena's current status, as well as his chances of tying Ric Flair's record.
The 39-year-old superstar was taken off television after he lost to Styles at SummerSlam. He was not injured or filming a project but the WWE just wanted him to work on a limited schedule, usually at dark matches and live events abroad.
However, Cena returned on SmackDown Live two weeks ago and he was immediately given the opportunity to make history. But it is known that he will be filming the second season of "American Grit" in October, so what is his status and what are the current plans for him?
According to Raj Giri of Wrestling Inc, Cena will start filming his reality television series in mid-October. WWE No Mercy is on October 9 and he is also scheduled to appear on the October 11 taping of SmackDown.
It should be noted that the 15-time WWE World Champion is advertised for Survivor Series but not on any other events. Cena is also not scheduled to be on the annual WWE Christmas tour in December. The filming of "American Grit" will reportedly take place for about two months.
In his absence since SummerSlam, Styles has carried SmackDown and eventually won the WWE World Championship from Ambrose at WWE Backlash on September 11. Many fans are worried that the WWE might pull the trigger on a Cena win to make history but it appears unlikely, per The Inquisitr.
Cena is likely tying Flair's record of 16 WWE World titles next year, possibly at WrestleMania 33. As for his possible hiatus, he could be written out off television on the October 11 taping. He could be attacked or kayfabe injured by Styles, The Wyatt Family or even The Undertaker.
These are purely speculative at this point but it should be pointed out that Cena will indeed be filming "American Grit." The WWE is also high on Styles and he is rumored to have a long title reign that may last until next year.
Check out the video below for the official announcement of Styles vs. Cena vs. Ambrose for the WWE World Championship at No Mercy.