Since becoming World Heavyweight Champion for the first time at Survivor Series, John Cena has defended his title in hard-fought matches against the wily and nefarious Chris Jericho. At Royal Rumble The Champ’s title will again be in jeopardy as he faces a ring warrior who knows exactly what it takes to put down John Cena: The self-proclaimed “wrestling god” himself, JBL.

Ever since joining the Raw roster, JBL has done his best to angle for title opportunities, though championship gold itself has consistently eluded the Longhorn Loudmouth. In recent weeks, however, things have been coming up in the self-made millionaire’s favor, as he utilized the services of his employee, Shawn Michaels, to not only win a qualifying match against Rey Mysterio but also remain the last man standing in a Fatal Four Way Elimination Match for No. 1 contendership.

The process to select the new No. 1 contender involved numerous former World Champions, of which JBL is one of the most notable, bearing the honor of being the longest-reigning World Heavyweight Champion in SmackDown history. The Longhorn Loudmouth also boasts extensive knowledge of the World Heavyweight Champion himself, information he learned in the field, by defeating Cena in the 2008 Match of the Year, a Parking Lot Brawl at The Great American Bash (recognized as the Slammy Award winner after JBL relieved his employee, Shawn Michaels of the honor).

John Cena has proven to the WWE Universe that since returning from his neck surgery, he is as powerful and dominant a competitor as ever, and will certainly be eager to repay JBL for heaving him through a windshield at The Great American Bash. But will even that be enough to withstand the relentless assault of a self-proclaimed “wrestling god” intent on putting championship gold around his waist? And with The Champ’s opponent not above involving his employee in his matches, what role might HBK play – against his will – in this match?

Find out who will walk away World Heavyweight Champion by watching Royal Rumble, live on Sunday, Jan. 25, only on pay-per-view.