John Cena's Shocking Outburst Spells Opportunity for Randy Orton

John Cena and Randy Orton are the definitive stars of modern day WWE. Though they mirror each other in talent and desire, they have both walked very different paths to greatness and find themselves in different phases of their careers.

Cena has carried the banner of WWE proudly for the last decade. Honorable though it may be, such a burden can only be borne for so long, even by the strongest among us. Furthermore, the Cenation leader has devoted all of his recent energies into thwarting Brock Lesnar and vanquishing The Authority. Yet here we stand after months of conflict. Brock Lesnar is still the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion and The Authority maintains their position of power. For the first time in his career, Cena's herculean efforts have proven futile.

Cena now finds himself ensnared in an international embroglio with the dominant United States Champion, Rusev. Russia's favorite son has ruled the Wrestler Wrankings this season and is a formidable foe for the stretched-thin Cena. Curiously, the personal issue between Rusev and Cena stems from a seemingly innocuous miscommunication during a backstage interview segment. Not exactly the most valid reason for Cena to halt his crusade against The Authority, unless Cena simply sought an excuse to change course...

Worse, Cena snapped during a standard verbal jousting session this week on RAW. A few simple taunts goaded Cena into attacking Rusev. That he got the better of the impromptu (and frankly, illegal) brawl is of no consequence. This wasn't a sanctioned match nor was it a matter of self-defense. John Cena assaulted another human being for no reason.

Why did this happen? Did Cena seek a material advantage against Rusev before their match at Fast Lane? Or have recent events and years of pressure so frazzled the former champion that he briefly lost control? Are these abhorrent actions an aberration or the start of a new pattern? Either way, John Cena is an idol to millions of fans and his actions need to be far more measured in the future.

Conversely, Randy Orton has spent the last few months recuperating from injuries sustained at the hands of The Authority. While the physical toll of such a beating is significant, Orton has recovered from serious injury before and returned stronger than ever. More importantly, Orton has been able to relax and recover mentally. This is, of course, paramount for a man who suffers from spontanious auditory hallucinations when under duress.

In fact, Orton's expulsion from The Authority is a blessing in disguise. Sting has made it his mission to destroy Triple H and all he stands for. As a prime figure in The Authority, Orton would have been a ripe target for the Stinger's wrath. Bullet dodged!

Simply put, Randy Orton is a living legend. He's achieved everything possible in the sport of professional wrestling. There is nothing left to prove to himself or anyone else! If he never comes back to WWE then he'd be inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Orton seems to have much more to offer before he retires.

Orton's imminent return coincides perfectly with John Cena's career nadir. This confluence of events should boost WWE's Apex Predator to new heights!

***

OFFICIAL WRESTLER WRANKINGS FORMULA

ANY WIN = 2 POINTS

US OR INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE BOUT = 1 POINT

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE BOUT = 3 POINTS

NON "BIG 4" PPV BONUS = 1.5X

SUMMERSLAM, SURVIVOR SERIES, ROYAL RUMBLE = 2X BONUS

WRESTLEMANIA = 3X BONUS

The WWE season begins on the day after WrestleMania 30 and culminates with WrestleMania 31. The wrestler who accumulates the most points over the course of the season, wins the coveted Wrankings Championship!

Monday Night Raw -- 2/16/15

Dolph Ziggler - 2 points (win)

Roman Reigns - 2 points (win)

Dean Ambrose - 2 point (win)

Bad News Barrett - 2 points (win)

Big Show - 2 points (win)

Main Event-- 2/17/15

Cesaro - 2 points (win)

Titus O'neil - 2 points (win)

Stardust - 2 points (win)

Smackdown -- 2/19/15

Seth Rollins - 2 points (win)

Roman Reigns - 2 point (win)

Ryback - 2 points (win)

Daniel Bryan - 2 point (win)

Big Show - 2 points (win)

R-Truth - 2 point (win)

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WRESTLER WRANKINGS, WEEK 47 *TOP TEN*

1. RUSEV -- 109 points

2. Dolph Ziggler -- 87

3. Seth Rollins -- 82

4. John Cena -- 67.5

5. Sheamus -- 65

6. Cesaro -- 64

7. Roman Reigns -- 63

8. Dean Ambrose -- 53

9. Bo Dallas -- 50.5

10. Bray Wyatt -- 49.5

Thanks for reading, Cagesiders. We'll see you back here next week!