John Cena and Randy Orton returning to WWE in the new year?

Is it 2014 all over again?

Not quite, but both legendary Superstars will make their presence felt sooner rather than later, according to industry insiders. What might they be involved in and how does Cena's expected story differ from earlier reports?

Find out with this collection of insider rumors, also including the latest on reaction to Chelsea Green's Women's United States Championship reign and a new element of WWE programming as the company jumps to Netflix.

Latest on Randy Orton's Return to WWE TV

The last time WWE fans saw Randy Orton on television, he was the victim of a piledriver from Kevin Owens in an attempt to heat up the latter as a heel.

That could change this month, with The Viper's return in time for the official start of the Road to WrestleMania 41.

During a Q&A on Backstage Pass, WrestleVotes reported the third-generation Superstar should be back "by the Royal Rumble, you know, if not on February 1, it'll be beforehand."

It makes sense both with WrestleMania ahead and a potential match with Owens being one of SmackDown's contributions to the show, that Orton would come back in time for the Royal Rumble or slightly after to start the build to the biggest event of the year.

Orton did some of his finest work in 2024, including two Match of the Year candidates against Gunther, proving age is but a number.

The 44-year-old has yet to have a high-profile premium live event match with Owens and, if that is the direction WWE heads for its biggest show, it's a fitting showdown.

Getting Orton back on TV is the first step.

Update on Major John Cena Match

John Cena is returning to the squared circle in 2025 as part of his retirement tour and, despite speculation, he will not be squaring off with Logan Paul at WrestleMania 41.

WrestleVotes reported Cena vs. Paul is a match that has been discussed but is not on the books for The Showcase of the Immortals. It also won't be happening on the January 6 premiere of Raw on Netflix, as "if it were to happen, it's going to get heavily promoted."

Cena vs. Paul is a high-profile contest between two of the most recognizable people in the company, so it's not particularly surprising that WWE officials would want to get it in the ring at some point during the veteran's retirement tour.

With that said, the 47-year-old's final match at The Show of Shows is an event in and of itself. It's a major deal and should be utilized for only the biggest and best matchup the company has to offer.

Paul is a recognizable name and someone who will bring appeal to fans outside of the industry, but Cena's last dance at WrestleMania is bigger than even social media views. It is a useful tool for establishing the undisputed face of the company for the foreseeable future.

Utilizing it on a current Superstar with long-term potential is a better use of that particular match than a one-off against the YouTuber.

Positive Reviews for Chelsea Green

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that "as one would expect, Chelsea Green's segment [on SmackDown] got positive reviews backstage."

Green has been a highlight of WWE TV since her return to the company, so the report isn't particularly surprising, but it does add credence to the idea that management recognizes the level of performer she is.

Unafraid of throwing herself into whatever segment, angle or adventure the creative team has in store for her character, the 33-year-old has been one of the MVPs of WWE in 2024.

It will be interesting to see how much Green's role expands in 2025 based on her historic run as the first women's United States champion.

WWE Meshing Authenticity With Arrival on Netflix

Monday night on Raw, we saw Seth Rollins and CM Punk deliver an in-ring face-to-face segment that featured several barbs at one another that blurred the line between fiction and reality.

It is something WWE is looking to incorporate into its programming more frequently with the arrival of Raw on Netflix.

Dr. Chris Featherstone reported WWE talent is focused on "going with their gut" in the new year as the company makes the move to the streaming giant.

For critics of the overly scripted nature of WWE programming of the past decade, this is wonderful news.

Authenticity always will be the surest way to get fans to invest and engage in the product. It is part of the reason fans sat on the edges of their seats Monday night, hanging on every word Punk and Rollins exchanged.

Hopefully, it's something stars both in the main event and outside of it will have the opportunity to participate in.