About John Cena’s WrestleMania plans...

“What will John Cena be doing at WrestleMania 34?” has been a focus of both Raw and SmackDown’s on-screen stories and the ones which play out on websites trying to cover the behind-the-scenes world of WWE.

On television during the week of Feb. 25, Cena lost in the Elimination Chamber match which could have earned him a Universal title shot in New Orleans, called out Undertaker, said someone told him that ain’t happening and headed to SmackDown, then beat AJ Styles clean to join a WWE championship bout at Fastlane which could lead to his defending that belt on April 8.

Backstage, at least according to the dirt sheets/screens, Rey Mysterio’s name has entered the mix as a possible ‘Mania opponent for Big Match John.

So what’s the latest? Well, it might be that for all the noise that’s been sent our way this week, nothing’s changed from where we were last week.

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required but recommended), which has been reporting Cena/Taker as the plan for a while now, maintains that is still the match we’re getting at The Showcase of The Immortals. The promo he delivered on this past Monday’s Raw was specifically designed to create doubt about their plans. But barring the Dead Man suffering a training injury or changing his mind for whatever reason, that showdown will finally happen next month.

There’s been speculation, from the WrestleVotes Twitter account and elsewhere, that the Mysterio story may have been leaked by WWE to make it appear the Undertaker program wasn’t a done deal. WrestleVotes also confirms Taker/Cena is the direction, and says their story will play out on Tuesday nights from here until April 8.

None of which is to say there’s nothing happening with Rey. Everyone seems to agree with PWInsider’s report of yesterday that talks are scheduled with Triple H as company point man, and that a major sticking point remains how much time the 43 year old will commit to WWE. Pro Wrestling Sheet and The Observer say there’s a March meeting planned between Haitch and Mysterio to try to hammer out a deal. WrestleVotes has a source saying not to be surprised if Rey shows up at ‘Mania, but that wrestling Cena isn’t in the cards right now.

The luchador is definitely facing Jushin “Thunder” Liger for New Japan at their Strong Style Evolved show in Long Beach on March 25. Beyond that... we’ll have to wait and see.

One thing’s for sure. WWE certainly has us talking and thinking about John Cena’s WrestleMania 34 plans.