For decades, Ric Flair has been recognized as the 16-time World Champion, a record that symbolizes excellence in professional wrestling. But now, with John Cena sitting at 16 World Championship reigns, the question on everyone's mind is: Will Cena break Flair’s record and become the first 17-time World Champion in WWE history?
One thing is for sure—Ric Flair isn’t just going to sit back and let it happen.
Ric Flair’s Legacy as the 16-Time World Champion
Ric Flair’s legendary career spanned multiple decades, promotions, and iconic rivalries. From the NWA to WCW to WWE, Flair built his legacy on classic matches, unforgettable promos, and a persona that made him one of the most beloved (and sometimes despised) figures in wrestling history.
His 16 recognized world title reigns were hard-fought, and while some argue he actually held more than 16, WWE has long used that number as the official count. Regardless, Flair’s record has stood as the pinnacle of wrestling greatness for years.
John Cena Tied the Record in 2017
At the Royal Rumble 2017, John Cena defeated AJ Styles to win his 16th WWE World Championship, tying Flair’s legendary record. Since then, fans have speculated whether Cena would return to WWE to claim one more title reign and surpass "The Nature Boy."
However, one person who has consistently voiced his opinion on the matter is Ric Flair himself.
Ric Flair Doesn’t Want Cena to Win No. 17
Flair has been vocal about his stance—he does not want Cena to surpass him. While Flair respects Cena and acknowledges his contributions to WWE, he has made it clear that his world title record is something he takes great pride in.
In various interviews and social media posts, Flair has expressed that if anyone is going to break his record, he wants it to be someone actively wrestling full-time, not a part-time performer like Cena. Flair’s passion for the business and his competitive nature won’t allow him to just sit back and watch history be rewritten.
Will Cena Go for the 17th Title?
As of now, Cena’s WWE appearances have become more sporadic due to his Hollywood commitments. However, he has never ruled out the possibility of one last title run. If Cena were to return and challenge for the WWE Championship, it would undoubtedly be one of the biggest moments in wrestling history.
The question is: Will WWE pull the trigger on Cena’s 17th reign, or will Ric Flair’s record remain untouched?
While John Cena remains tied with Ric Flair at 16 world title reigns, the debate over whether he should break the record continues. Flair has made it clear that he won’t sit back and let it happen without a fight—whether that means lobbying against it or even making an on-screen appearance to voice his displeasure.
What do you think? Should WWE let Cena break the record, or should Flair’s 16-time championship reign stand the test of time? Let me know in the comments!
