John Cena is set to face A.J. Styles for the WWE championship at the 2017 Royal Rumble on January 29 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. However, it seems like a rematch is already scheduled at Elimination Chamber wherein Cena vs. Styles will battle in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match.
As recapped by WWE.com, Cena returned from an almost three-month absence on this week's episode of SmackDown Live in Chicago. He cut a fiery and arrogant promo, saying that he will challenge for the WWE championship at the Royal Rumble.
The 15-time WWE world champion added that he can do such thing because of who he is and people should recognize him for it. It was an intense, heel-like promo that got a lot of fans thinking. Will Cena turn heel or he's just hyping his return?
On the other hand, Styles successfully defended the WWE championship in a Triple Threat Match. He outlasted both Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin to retain his title. At the end of the match, Cena run down and offered Styles a handshake.
The final SmackDown Live of 2016 ended with Styles and Cena shaking hands for their match at the 2017 Royal Rumble. The possible outcome of the match is still a tossup since the winner will likely headline WrestleMania 33.
According to Cageside Seats, one of the current plans for both superstars is another match at Elimination Chamber. The report noted that it is going to be a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match, probably for the WWE championship.
The unknown fact is who will be the champion heading into the pay-per-view. The basis of the stipulation for the match at Elimination Chamber was a graphic posted on the Ticketmaster website. However, the graphic has been removed, possibly ordered by the WWE.
It should be noted that the WWE sends out graphics to the arena to promote the event. Elimination Chamber will be held at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on February 12, 2017. It is the first Elimination Chamber event since last year.
The WWE can go a lot of ways in terms of how they will book Styles vs. Cena. They can always give Cena the championship while he might also put over Styles. The Undertaker is a big wildcard on the event as he could start a feud with either man.
Nevertheless, expect a lot more clarity about the feud heading into next year. Check out the video below to watch Cena and Styles handshake at the end of SmackDown Live. For more WWE news, rumors and updates, just follow me on Twitter @johnnyrundown.