Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day, featuring John Cena and Rhea Ripley.
• 16-Time WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena returned on the RAW Netflix premiere on January 6 to kick off his retirement tour. However, he hasn’t appeared on WWE TV since.
PWInsider reports that Cena is currently in Budapest, Hungary, filming for the live-action Matchbox movie, inspired by the iconic toy car brand. Cena’s involvement with the project was first rumored in September 2024, and production is now underway.
The film is a collaborative effort between Skydance, Apple, and Mattel Films, as Mattel continues to expand its presence in the movie industry following the blockbuster success of Barbie in 2023.
The production is being spearheaded by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, alongside Robbie Brenner of Mattel Films.
Cena’s next WWE appearance will be this Saturday, when he enters the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
WATCH: Ronda Rousey’s Nip Slip From 2022:
• On Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25, Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley faced Nia Jax in a hard-fought match. The bout concluded with Jax attempting consecutive middle-rope splashes before Ripley countered. Rhea executed an electric chair and followed up with the Riptide to secure the win.
After the show, Ripley teased the possibility of entering the Men’s Royal Rumble match, adding intrigue to her current trajectory.
Fightful Select reported that Ripley had “the wind knocked out of her” during the match, though the specific spot remains unclear. Fortunately, she was fine afterward.
