Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena has a title defense in one week. At Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, he will revisit his epic rivalry with CM Punk. But before that, Cena has to face the returning Ron Killings (aka R-Truth) on SmackDown this Friday. Let’s look at five ways this match could pan out.
#1 John Cena Racks Up Another Win Ahead of His Title Defense
While this does not look good for Killings, as he was released a few weeks ago before getting rehired, Cena is on a roll as the Undisputed WWE Champion. There is still some juice left in his 17th title reign, with more possible names challenging him for the strap.
Cena could simply steal a win over Killings this Friday as he and Punk gear up for a collision course on Jun. 28.
#2 Cena Gets Counted Out, Voluntarily or Otherwise
Cena should not lose momentum at this stage. Getting pinned by Cody Rhodes at Money in the Bank was one thing, but losing to Killings is not the same. On the other end of the spectrum is a beloved veteran who now has more potential than ever to rise up the ranks. Come to think about it, neither man could afford the loss.
That’s why Cena could get counted out, whether voluntarily or otherwise, and that’s an easy way out for WWE.
#3 Ron Killings Upsets Cena Before Night of Champions
WWE is known to put its eventual winner in a losing situation, urging fans to question whether the champion will or will not retain the belt. This comes down to who is walking out of the Saudi Arabia show with the gold around their waist. If Cena is going to keep, then a loss to Killings may play as a curveball.
HE CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/VdLxnuMlpw
— WWE (@WWE) June 19, 2025
#4 An Outside Interference Segues Into Killings’ Next Program
Killings is in it for one final run, for himself, and the fans, as he put it. This time, it is about gaining respect, which is why he has let go of the “R-Truth” persona.
Going after Cena after the latter defeated him at Saturday Night’s Main Event 39 makes sense, but if he is in it for some more time, he needs more opponents. His next match against Cena this Friday is an opportunity for WWE to introduce a new rival for the 53-year-old veteran.
#5 CM Punk Helps Killings Score a Win Over Cena
History could repeat itself 14 years later. On RAW ahead of Money in the Bank 2011, Truth defeated Cena in a Tables match after Punk’s interference. This was followed by The Best in the World’s generation-defining pipe bomb promo.
It seems rather fitting that Truth, Cena, and Punk have reignited their rivalry at the same time in 2025. This past Friday, all three men were part of an intense segment, which ended with Killings putting The Last Real Champion in the STF.
With that kind of build ahead of Killings and Cena’s next match, one can’t help but wonder if WWE will pay homage to the last time these three were entangled.