WWE Rumors: John Cena May Lead SmackDown Following WWE Brand Split

Many observers and sports entertainment analysts are still figuring out how WWE's brand split or extension will proceed this July with much of the speculation revolving around the restructuring of world titles. Reports swirling across rumor land suggest that WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns is likely to captain RAW while 15-time WWE Champion John Cena is pretty much geared up to lead SmackDown.

As noted by Wrestling Inc., John Cena is has been seen as the most favored candidate to lead the SmackDown brand while Roman Reigns would take the mantle of headlining the Raw brand when the extension goes live this summer on July 19.

However, a report from Sportskeeda contradicted previous speculations on Cena-led SmackDown. It went on to say that the multiple title holder is set to remain in Raw with very little chance of getting drafted to SmackDown.

Interestingly, the upcoming SmackDown event in July features Reigns in advertising promos with no Cena in sight fueling news of a Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins match as the dark main event for the first live SmackDown following the release of an updated WWE brand extension roster. Included in the SmackDown lineup are Dean Ambrose, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens and the current WWE Women's Champion, Charlotte.

Can John Cena Make Difference at SmackDown?

With the programming built around John Cena's immense popularity, SmackDown may be able to capture a sizeable portion of viewing audience despite being considered as a secondary programming by WWE for years. By bringing John Cena to headline the brand, more eyes are expected to be glued on live TV on Tuesday nights, Sport360 reported.

Meanwhile, John Cena will be thrown into a confirmed one-on-one match with AJ Styles at WWE Money in the Bank in Las Vegas following an earlier beatdown at the hands of Styles' vicious Bullet Club. Styles is Cena's first in-ring opponent since his much awaited return after a long absence due to a shoulder injury.