Pictures of John Cena in character on set of new movie; is WWE preparing for life without him?

Despite WWE's decision to not address it, it was hard to not notice the absence of WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena from Raw this past Monday night.

Even thought the champ was not there, ending his 15th run as main titleholder in the company was.

Given how quickly the powers-that-be went to 'Plan Cena' after the severity of Daniel Bryan's injury became apparent, one has to wonder what they'll do if he decides to drastically reduce his workload, either for a career outside of wrestling or just because he's had enough.

According to PWInsider.com, backstage chatter is joking about Cena soon appearing "via satellite", a move he famously chided The Rock for during their program, and that his small roles in two high profile comedy films could lead to his departing the company full-time.

The report indicates that WWE officials are preparing for life without their most prominent Superstar of the last decade.

I would certainly hope so.  While the acting chops that Cena has displayed in leading man roles probably will keep him from following in Dwayne Johnson's footsteps, being able to get supporting work in films attached to major Hollywood players like Judd Apatow and Tina Fey is a positive development for a guy who doesn't need to make much if any more money to live securely for the rest of his life.

That, combined with the example being set by guys like Chris Jericho, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels - that a variety of smaller projects can keep you busy and creatively fulfilled, has to be intriguing to a man with a lot of miles on his body.

Only time will tell when WWE loyalist Cena might hang up his Reebok Pumps and walk away from the ring, and what Vince McMahon and company will do when he does.

In the meantime, enjoy some tatted up pics of the Word Lifer on the set of The Nest, the Tina Fey/Amy Poehler movie on which he's currently working.

via @HBKgirl28

via @cathymeetsworld

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Do you think the champ could walk away from full-time pro wrestling any time soon?  Is WWE ready for life after Cena?  Are you?