John Cena proposed to longtime girlfriend Nikki Bella after their victory over The Miz and Maryse at WrestleMania 33. However, what Cena's plans were after his mixed tag team match at WrestleMania have been unclear.
According to a new report, Cena will be away to film a new movie starting in mid-April that will reportedly keep him away from WWE television until at least June.
Via PW Insider:
"John Cena's comedy for Universal Pictures, "The Pact" will be filming in Atlanta from 4/19-6/9. The film tells the story of the parents of three teenage girls who have made a pact to lose their virginity on Prom Night. United, the parents then move forward to attempt to prevent that from happening. The film is planned for a 4/28/18 release theatrically, just a few weeks after Wrestlemania 34 in New Orleans."
If the reported dates are correct, this will keep Cena out for at least the first post-Mania Smackdown Live PPV, Backlash, and maybe even the second in Money in the Bank.
Cena being away from Smackdown Live for several months once again is a potential probelm for WWE.
As Cageside Seats points out:
"Whether Cena's "only" gone for those dates or if he'll be out all Summer, WWE will need to address the impact he has on SmackDown gates. According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required but recommended), the blue brand's attendance rose significantly once Cena returned from an American Grit-related absence in late 2016, and even outdrew Raw in February 2017 for both televised and non-televised shows."
Although nothing is official, it certainly looks like Smackdown Live viewers are going to be missing Cena for a while.