Are Cena and Orton the next Flair and Steamboat?

Once again I deviate from the normal comics and games discussion to focus on one of my other passions: wrestling. Two days ago, one of the biggest PPVs of the year happened. WWE's Royal Rumble. Alas, I have not watched the Rumble 2017 yet but I did learn Cena became 16th time World Heavyweight Champion and Randy Orton won the Rumble match itself.


Both outcomes elicited groans from me. Was originally going to provide a quick mini-rant but then I got to thinking. What if John Cena and Randy Orton are the modern equivalent of Ric "The Nature Boy" Flair and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat?


Okay, if Cena didn't just equal Flair's record of 16 World Championships I never would have that of it. But, as of Sunday, he has. Like Flair carried the NWA, and Jim Crockett Promotions, for years, Cena has been, to quote A.J. Styles, the face that runs the place for years. He's the WWE go to guy when they're busy not creating new stars.


What's that you say? There's a brand split again. By being the WWE 2017 Royal Rumble winner he can challenge the Raw champion? Why, yes Orton could. The preferable option in my opinion actually.


However, the WWE is incredibly nostalgic. Especially around WrestleMania time. If there is one feud among active wrestlers that has lasted the longest it's the feud between John Cena and Randy Orton. Which is the other reason why I state that Cena and Orton could be considered the modern day Flair/Steamboat rivalry. No other duo has wrestled each other as frequently. The one difference being, unlike Steamboat, Orton has one several championships off Cena. Randy Orton could one day win as many world championships as Flair and now Cena.


So there's the chance beyond nostalgia of WWE pushing for the 'Mania storyline of Orton trying to tie with Cena.


Although my WrestleMania match prediction goes out the window if WWE want both men to be champions at the same time. Kevin Owens has been the Raw champ for quite some time. Could easily see him becoming the sacrificial lamb at WWE's biggest PPV of the year. Furthermore, there's rumblings of Cena and Undertaker finally squaring off in the ring. What better place than WrestleMania? Okay, I would love to see Cena vs. 'Taker.


Regardless if Orton chooses Cena at 'Mania, they are bound to square off once more. Thus, firmly entrenching their long rivalry in the eyes of the fans. One day, even fans such as myself will look back and wax on about Cena/Orton.


Next time.