John Cena WWE heel turn fans eagerly anticipated finally seeing him adopt a villainous persona before his retirement. At the Elimination Chamber event, Cena turned heel against Cody Rhodes by siding with The Rock, a change intended to signal a new storyline direction, but it ultimately did not unfold as expected.
Following this setup, The Rock did not appear to continue the narrative, and John Cena, known as The Last Real Champion, soon reverted to his heroic character, signaling the heel turn’s collapse.
John Cena Acknowledges Setbacks in Heel Character Experiment
Inside WWE, sources have recognized that Cena’s venture into a heel role fell short, and the retirement tour has struggled to meet expectations. This underperformance is largely due to frequent shifts in creative plans during the tour.
Speaking openly at Chicago’s FAN EXPO, the 17-time world champion candidly admitted his heel turn was unsuccessful but emphasized his acceptance of the outcome without bitterness.
“Oh, no, no. I wasn’t upset. I just know I failed. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. You can learn from failure, right? Yeah. I went out there and bombed. Sh*t happens, guys. Come on now.”
— John Cena, WWE Superstar
Cena’s honesty reflects his readiness to move forward despite the challenges faced in aligning with WWE’s creative direction. His next major appearance is scheduled against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel 2025, a matchup that has generated anticipation given Styles’ own confidence going into the bout.
Backstage Disappointment Surrounding Cena’s Retirement Tour
There has been noticeable dissatisfaction among WWE’s backstage staff regarding the way Cena’s retirement journey has unfolded, notably his failed heel transformation. Fans hoping for a compelling antagonist arc have been left disappointed by the sudden reversion to his familiar heroic persona.
John Cena is set to compete in his final match on December 13, 2025, during Saturday Night’s Main Event, marking the conclusion of his legendary WWE career after nearly two decades.
Other WWE Storylines and Updates
Roman Reigns’ next opponent was officially announced on a recent WWE RAW episode, introducing fresh dynamics into ongoing rivalries. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins faces a decisive match against Cody Rhodes that could impact his future with the company.
In other developments, a former NXT wrestler was unexpectedly released before ascending to the main roster, causing surprise within WWE circles. Jon Moxley was named AEW’s most pivotal figure due to his extensive influence beyond just televised performances.
Shawn Michaels has played a personal role in signing one of WWE’s most promising young talents from NXT, ensuring the company capitalizes on emerging stars. Additionally, a WWE star revealed the reason why their merchandise was abruptly pulled following complications related to a new gimmick.
Amid these shifts, a former WWE star, nicknamed “The King Of Bros,” recently made a dramatic announcement, highlighting the ongoing flux within the wrestling world.
John Cena’s admission regarding the failed heel turn offers a rare glimpse into the complexities and pressures top wrestlers face as they navigate evolving storylines and fan expectations. As he prepares for his last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, the wrestling community awaits whether he will solidify his legacy with a memorable send-off or continue facing creative uncertainties.
