In one of the most shocking moments in WWE history, megastar babyface John Cena turned heel at the Elimination Chamber 2025 event, leaving Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes bloodied in the ring. This unexpected twist has set the stage for Cena to challenge for his record-setting 17th world championship against Rhodes at the highly anticipated WrestleMania 41. This marks the first time Cena has embraced a heel persona in over two decades, although there have been subtle hints suggesting that a turn was on the horizon.
In July 2024, shortly after announcing his retirement tour, Cena held a post-show press conference where he claimed he was no longer interested in a heel turn. However, just four months prior, he appeared on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, revealing a previously planned heel turn that was supposed to take place back in 2012. Cena disclosed that he was geared up to turn heel around his Once in a Lifetime match against The Rock at WrestleMania 28, having already recorded a new entrance theme and designed all-new gear that was a stark contrast to his signature jorts and t-shirts.
In his plans for the heel turn, Cena expressed intentions to embrace a persona that was the polar opposite of his established character. He contemplated sacrificing his Never Give Up motto and his dedication to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ultimately, he and WWE decided against the turn, realizing he had become too entrenched in his babyface role. This history of heelish inclinations became evident as Cena displayed certain attributes prior to his low blow on Rhodes. These were traits he had previously discussed on Insight, hinting at a darker direction.
Leading up to the Elimination Chamber, Cena had begun to exhibit signs of a heel character. He had mentioned that as a heel, he would appear on fewer shows, a notion that should have raised eyebrows among fans. Despite his much-publicized retirement tour, Elimination Chamber was only Cena's second appearance in 2025. His declaration of being above the need to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match, following a loss at the Royal Rumble, was another indication of his shifting attitude.
At the Elimination Chamber post-show, Cena's actions spoke volumes. Instead of engaging with the media like his fellow wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who had seemingly aligned with him during the heel turn, Cena opted for silence. He simply grabbed the microphone and dropped it before storming off, embodying the quintessential heel move of leaving without explanation. This act further solidified his transformation.
In his 2024 Insight interview, Cena had noted that had he turned heel in 2012, he would have worked less hard and become untrustworthy. This foreshadowing culminated during the men's Elimination Chamber match when Cena executed one of the most brutal STF submission holds ever witnessed on CM Punk, following an attack from an already-eliminated Seth Rollins. Cena's swift and ruthless actions should have served as a warning to WWE fans, who were left in utter disbelief moments later.
As Cena prepares to face Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, fans are left to wonder how this heel turn will impact the future of WWE and Cena's legacy. Will this new persona redefine his career, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences in the squared circle?
