At Elimination Chamber 2025 earlier this year, John Cena shocked the wrestling world by turning heel for the first time in nearly 20 years. In his quest for a record-breaking 17th World Championship, Cena aligned himself with The Rock and betrayed Cody Rhodes, marking a dramatic shift in his character on March 1, 2025.
Since his heel turn, Cena has appeared on television just twice, both times engaging in tense stare-downs with Cody Rhodes but refraining from verbal confrontations. His last physical encounter with “The American Nightmare” occurred at Elimination Chamber, with no further brawls between the two since that night.
On a recent episode of Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley broke down the significance of Cena’s heel turn, arguing it was a pivotal move to elevate Cody Rhodes’ run as a top babyface. Dudley drew parallels to the iconic Hulk Hogan-Andre The Giant rivalry, recalling how Andre’s shocking heel turn in 1987—against his longtime friend Hogan—catapulted their feud to legendary status. He said:
“The best thing about [Cena’s heel turn] is it’s all for the right reasons. The reason is Cody Rhodes. When Vince calls Andre [the Giant], and wants to turn Andre heel, this, you know, this mega babyface, beloved, and everything they did. To see now what they’re doing with Cena, and Cena turning heel all for the betterment of Cody and to take Cody to the next level; what Andre did for Hulk [Hogan].”
(H/t WrestlingInc)
Fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter, as Cena and Rhodes are slated to go face-to-face once more on the March 31 episode of Raw in London, building anticipation for their highly anticipated clash at WrestleMania 41.
John Cena Reveals Retirement Tour Plans
Cena further stoked the flames of his heel persona during the March 24 episode of Raw in Glasgow. Kicking off the show, he addressed the crowd, blaming them for his villainous transformation before unveiling his bold retirement tour agenda. Intent on leaving a lasting—and destructive—mark on the industry, Cena declared:
“I am going to ruin wrestling. I am going to ruin wrestling for every fan, every wrestler, for everyone. At WrestleMania, I make history by winning a 17th championship, and make you forget the name of Ric Flair.I will win that championship and retire with it. I am taking it home with me, and leaving all of you to create a brand new toy belt, because the real one comes home with me! I will be the last real champion in WWE!”
With his sights set on rewriting history, Cena’s heel run promises to shake the foundations of WWE as he heads toward his final chapter.
0 Comments