Who Would Step Up If Cena Gets Injured

After his match against Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules, it appeared as if John Cena had a real injury that would have put him on the shelf. As we know now, that injury wasn't real. However, if it were real, which superstar on the WWE roster would be able to step up with Cena out? Cena has been the workhorse for the company. He has been able to stay healthy and is consistently on the weekly programming. Whether you love him or hate him, you cannot deny the importance of Cena to the company. Lately, John Cena has been going through some personal issues. He is in the middle of a divorce, and some time off could be required.

There is also a chance for him to get actually injured. It is difficult to stay as healthy as Cena has been, and an injury is definitely possible. Could the WWE afford a Cena injury? Is there anyone on the current roster that could truly step up and fill the void that Cena would leave?

Here is a look at some superstars who may be able to step up if Cena gets legitimately injured.

CM Punk 

There are two obvious choices for superstars who could to step up in the event of a Cena injury. One of those superstars is CM Punk. Punk has been the WWE Champion for almost 200 days. He gained strong support and popularity from the fans over the summer and remains arguably the most popular superstar right now. However, there is more that Cena brings than just popularity.

There is a special ability to be the most important storyline and feud on the roster. Despite being the WWE Champion, CM Punk has not been the main event of every pay-per-view. Punk has been able to be the popular WWE Champion, but has always had the safety net of Cena if something were to go wrong. The WWE and Punk wouldn't have that safety net with a Cena injury. Cena's match has been the main event match of the last four pay-per-views. With Cena out, Punk would have to take that next step and become the main event superstar of the pay-per-views.

Randy Orton

The other obvious person to step up if Cena were to really get hurt would be Randy Orton. Orton is only 32 years old, but is a veteran and has more experience in the WWE than a majority of the superstars on the roster.

Since Orton has turned face awhile back, he has been a fan favorite. Similar to Cena, he has been out of the title picture for quite some time. Despite Orton's success, he has never had to be "the guy." Orton has been at the top of the company without being at the very tip. With Cena out, Orton could finally make the jump up to the top. Orton is extremely popular and has the in-ring ability and WWE experience to be able to carry the load with Cena out. It would be interesting to see how he performs and how the fans react to Orton being the No. 1 superstar.

Triple H

Triple H could have to get in the ring more often if Cena were to go down for an extended period of time. Triple H proved at WrestleMania he has plenty left in the tank, and he still gets a huge reaction from the crowd. If the WWE doesn't have faith in any superstars on the current roster, we could see Triple H be used as a last resort.

Heel-To-Face Change

The WWE has always used the changing of superstars from heel to face or face to heel as a way to build momentum. We recently saw it CM Punk over the summer and could see it again if Cena were to go down with a legitimate injury. Some potential superstars that could get a surge from a heel to face change could be Dolph Ziggler or The Miz.