The WWE Universe is still reeling from the shocking events of Elimination Chamber, where John Cena cemented a stunning heel turn by aligning with The Rock against Cody Rhodes. This unexpected betrayal has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, instantly making this week’s Monday Night Raw a can’t-miss event for fans desperate for answers. Everyone is asking: Where Is Monday Night Raw Tonight and will we get any explanation for Cena’s actions?
However, for those tuning in specifically to hear from the newly villainous Cena, disappointment may be on the horizon. Despite the burning questions surrounding his motives and future plans, all indications suggest that John Cena will not be present at tonight’s Monday Night Raw.
No Cena Appearance Expected on Monday Night Raw from Buffalo
Unfortunately for fans in Buffalo, New York, and viewers around the globe eager to witness the fallout from Cena’s heel turn, current reports suggest that the Cenation leader will not be appearing on Monday Night Raw tonight. Following the conclusion of Elimination Chamber, The Rock himself indicated that Cena was immediately heading back to South Africa to resume filming a movie project. This doesn’t appear to be a storyline fabrication, meaning Cena’s absence is due to prior commitments outside of the WWE universe.
Adding further confirmation, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce released a video previewing tonight’s show. While Pearce highlighted several key superstars scheduled to appear and promoted the Women’s World Championship match between Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, John Cena’s name was notably absent from the list.
Alt text: WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce in a video announcement, confirming the location and main event for tonight’s Raw, but not mentioning John Cena.
Cody Rhodes Also Absent from Tonight’s Monday Night Raw
Adding to the intrigue, Cody Rhodes, the man directly targeted by Cena’s shocking actions, will also be absent from tonight’s Monday Night Raw. Rhodes had previously shared his March schedule, indicating his first WWE appearance post-Elimination Chamber would be on Friday’s episode of SmackDown. Therefore, fans hoping for an immediate confrontation or explanation between Rhodes and Cena will have to wait.
This double absence leaves a void in tonight’s Raw, but also amplifies the anticipation for when both Cena and Rhodes will next appear. The WWE is clearly building suspense around this storyline, making each subsequent appearance from either superstar must-see television.
When Will John Cena Return to WWE Television?
While Cena won’t be on Monday Night Raw tonight in Buffalo, speculation is already rampant about when he will reappear in WWE. Could his trip to South Africa be a brief one, paving the way for a surprise return as early as Friday’s SmackDown? It’s possible, but with WWE seemingly embracing Cena’s new heel persona, they may choose to keep him off-screen for a period to maximize the impact of his eventual return.
Looking ahead, Cody Rhodes is also not advertised for the Raw episode on March 10th, further suggesting that a direct confrontation with Cena might be delayed. However, both Cena and Rhodes are scheduled for WWE’s European tour leading up to WrestleMania, with Rhodes appearing on SmackDown in Barcelona on March 14th and Cena advertised for Raw episodes on March 17th, 24th, and 31st in Europe.
Alt text: The Rock and John Cena standing together in a WWE ring, facing Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, hinting at a potential tag team match at WrestleMania.
Therefore, it’s highly likely that John Cena’s first televised appearance after his game-changing heel turn will occur during WWE’s European tour, either on SmackDown on March 14th or, more probably, on Monday Night Raw starting March 17th. While Monday Night Raw tonight from Buffalo will proceed without him, the seeds of chaos sown by his actions will undoubtedly be felt, setting the stage for a dramatic road to WrestleMania 41.
