George Kittle on who will defeat John Cena: “I think it’s going to be someone we don’t expect”
Plus–a look at the biggest matches of the summer
The Week in Wrestling is published every week and provides beneath the surface coverage of pro wrestling.
Contents for The Week in Wrestling:
George Kittle on John Cena and Penta
An inside look at the past week in wrestling
Determining the biggest match of the summer
Tweet of the Week
George Kittle on Cena’s title reign–and his friendship with Penta
John Cena extended his reign as WWE Champion this past weekend, defeating CM Punk at Night of Champions.
Next up for Cena is a rematch with Cody Rhodes, who won the King of the Ring at Night of Champions in an outstanding bout against Randy Orton. That sets up the Cena-Rhodes match next month at SummerSlam, which is expected to close out the two-night event.
But don’t expect Cena to lose.
At least not if you ask George Kittle.
A six-time NFL Pro Bowler, Kittle is the tight end for the San Francisco 49ers. He is also a diehard wrestling fan, and he believes Cena won’t drop the belt until he finishes all his remaining dates.
“Cena’s not going to lose until the end [of the year],” said Kittle, who was asked who will dethrone Cena. “It’s a great question of who it is going to be–I think it’s going to be someone we don’t expect. But Cena’s not going to lose until the end, and I think he might even sabotage the guy who beats him. I’m really excited to see how it goes.”
Kittle was at WrestleMania 41 this past spring. He even played a small role two years prior at WrestleMania 39 by getting physical with The Miz.
As he prepares for another training camp with the Niners with his innovative Tight End University summit, Kittle is adding some golf into his repertoire. He is preparing to play the 2025 American Century Championship, which runs from July 11-13 at Edgewood Golf Course in Tahoe. His odds to win–a staggering 250-1–firmly secure him as a tournament underdog, but that does not deter his excitement to get out on the green.
“My game plan is to swing really hard,” said Kittle. “I’m not a professional golfer. But I heard you’re allowed to drink beer on the course, so I’m really excited about that.”
Kittle is also known for his friendship with Penta. His first down celebration is a tribute to Penta’s “Cero Miedo” finger gesture, which means “zero fear.” The two met during WrestleMania week in 2018, and a friendship soon followed, one where they are constantly championing one another’s work.
“In my gym, I literally have a full body mannequin with his whole fit on it that he sent me,” said Kittle. “I watch a ton of him, and he’s incredible–and so is his brother [Fenix].”
Penta is currently feuding with Seth Rollins and his new alliance. That is a step in the right direction for Penta in WWE, where Kittle would like to see him become champion–as well as have the chance to deliver some memorable tag matches with Fenix.
“The more action they get, the better it is for WWE,” said Kittle. “They’re so talented. Their in-ring aura is through the roof.”
This past week…
Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hirooki Goto this past weekend in New Japan Pro-Wrestling to regain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. That could very well have significant implications as soon as next month at Forbidden Door.
Regardless of the company, MJF continues to shine–which is exactly what he did in his surprise return to MLW to continue his feud with Místico.
The New Day dropped the tag titles on Raw to The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. For as talented as Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are, The New Day simply isn’t The New Day–whether they’re babyfaces or heels–without Big E.
Lost in the discussion about his trip to Saudi Arabia was CM Punk’s fantastic “Thuganomics” promo on SmackDown. While not everyone agreed with his decision to go to Night of Champions or apologize for a past insult, Punk ultimately acted on behalf of the company to go and perform for the people of Saudi Arabia.
What is the biggest match of the summer?
Cena vs. Rhodes.
Omega vs. Okada.
Storm vs. Moné.
Moxley vs. Hangman.
Rollins vs. LA Knight.
And yes, Gunther vs. Goldberg.
What will be the single biggest match of the summer?
Of course, that is difficult to gauge without knowing what AEW will have in store at Forbidden Door in August. We are even treated to Kazuchika Okada against Kota Ibushi–and Mercedes Moné against Mina Shirakawa–on tonight’s Dynamite 300 show. But based on what we’ve seen so far, the leading candidate for Match of the Summer should be Rhea Ripley against Iyo Sky. They’re set to meet at Evolution, and their work at WrestleMania 41–in a triple threat that also included Bianca Belair–was nothing short of sensational.
Cena and Rhodes never reached that elusive next tier in their match at WrestleMania; they now must prove SummerSlam will be different. Omega and Okada will have the highest of expectations at All In. Moxley and Hangman could be derailed by the finish–if Hangman is unable to win. Moné and Toni Storm should also be must-see wrestling. Seth Rollins and LA Knight will be fascinating. They should produce a very good match, but it will require time at Saturday Night’s Main Event, a card that often jams in five matches–and a plethora of commercials–over two hours.
Even if all those matches deliver, there is still plenty of reason to believe Sky and Ripley can be the match of the summer.
Tweet of the Week
Art imitating life.
Man, listen...trying to follow an instant classic at WM just on its own would be hard enough. Evolution 2 has been years in the making, Liv Morgan is on the shelf, Bianca's health is touch and go and there's pretty high expectations since the first one was so long ago and it's taking place during a VERY busy weekend of wrestling..
I hope Rhea and Iyo body it and I hope it won't take another 7 years for WWE to scratch that itch.