John Cena shocked WWE fans by turning heel at the Elimination Chamber event, marking a stark change in his character. This surprising shift raises strong anticipation that when Cena returns to his babyface persona, especially at SummerSlam 2025, the reaction from the crowd could be electrifying. The focus keyword, John Cena babyface SummerSlam 2025, perfectly captures the mounting speculation surrounding this potential return.
Once known as The Franchise Player, Cena has distanced himself from his enthusiastic interactions with the fans, adopting a more detached and unexpected demeanor. Though rumors suggest that the Undisputed WWE Champion may revert to being a babyface before his final match scheduled for mid-December, many uncertainties persist about the timing and nature of this shift.
Cody Rhodes’ Desire for the Classic John Cena at SummerSlam
In the lead-up to their high-profile SummerSlam 2025 match, Cody Rhodes expressed a clear wish to face the “real” John Cena—the babyface who energized the audience and lifted the event’s atmosphere. The American Nightmare wants the Cena who breathed life into the matches and the entire arena, rather than the current version turning inwards.
On the Notsam Wrestling podcast, Sam Roberts suggested that Cena might fulfill Rhodes’ request, but only for a single night, creating a unique moment at the event.

“What if Cody gets his wish? What if we actually get OG John Cena at SummerSlam? I think I think if we get that music and we don’t get the blacked out Tron, we get the [John Cena music] and like there’s colorful stuff going on and everything and John Cena is interacting with the crowd again saying, ‘Okay, Cody, if this is the John Cena you want, this is the John Cena you’re going to get’.Met life will go insane. We’ve been talking about this idea that at some point, John Cena has to go back to being a baby face. Well, maybe John Cena goes back to being a baby face for one night. ‘Cody, I’m going to give you exactly what you wanted. This is what you asked for’.” —Sam Roberts, Host of Notsam Wrestling
An energized crowd at MetLife Stadium would witness a nostalgic return to Cena’s classic presentation, complete with his iconic entrance music and vibrant visuals, rekindling his connection with fans. This one-time babyface return could be a defining moment for SummerSlam 2025, blending past glory with present drama.
Adding complexity to the storyline, there are speculations that Cody Rhodes himself might turn heel during the event. Rhodes has dropped subtle hints about forming an alliance with The Rock, potentially signaling a dramatic character change that would deepen the rivalry and unpredictability.
Context on Other WWE Developments and Rumors
While John Cena’s character evolution dominates fan discussions, other WWE figures and issues have also captured attention. Ex-WWE stars have opened up about unpleasant experiences in the wrestling world, including a former competitor’s difficult interaction with Adam Sandler that never aired on television. Meanwhile, the nature of Seth Rollins’ injury remains partially undisclosed, creating unease among fans eager to understand his condition after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The wrestling industry faces shifting dynamics as All Elite Wrestling (AEW) confronts uncertainty regarding its upcoming television contract renewal, adding pressure on WWE’s position. On the roster front, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Gunther are confirmed for an upcoming edition of WWE Raw, promising an event filled with star power and key developments.
Notably, controversy surrounds Ari Emanuel, who is accused of using influence to promote a major WWE star. In contrast, a WWE Hall of Famer has openly acknowledged a significant obstacle preventing a potential return, leaving fans to speculate about future comebacks and surprises.
In addition, a currently active WWE champion hints at plans to overhaul their in-ring persona, suggesting ongoing reinvention within the company, while a recently released star launched their independent career with an apparent jab at NXT head Shawn Michaels, underscoring ongoing tensions behind the scenes.
What This Could Mean Moving Forward for Cena and WWE
The possibility of John Cena returning to his babyface role for a once-off appearance at SummerSlam 2025 carries substantial significance. It not only promises to deliver a nostalgic moment for long-time wrestling fans but could also revitalize interest in Cena’s final story arc before his planned departure from WWE. Cody Rhodes’ request for the “real” Cena positions their bout as emotionally charged and narratively enriched, especially with the potential for Rhodes’ unexpected heel turn.
The event’s success could hinge on how effectively Cena and Rhodes embody their characters and play off one another’s storylines, potentially setting a high bar for WWE’s summer extravaganza. Given the intense atmosphere surrounding current WWE programming and the interconnected challenges across the roster and management, SummerSlam 2025 could become a pivotal moment for the company’s ongoing narrative direction.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is John Cena diagnosed with?
A. Famous wrestler John Cena has been told he has skin cancer. Doctors discovered melanoma on his chest’s left side and later on his back, about a year apart. Cena shared with USA Today that learning about his condition altered how he views life. He encourages men to pay more attention to skincare.
Q. Has John Cena ever had surgery?
A. John Cena recently shared why he decided to have hair transplant surgery to cover his bald spot. The WWE star discussed this during an interview, where he criticized wrestling critics for “bullying” him into making the choice.
Q. What illness does John Cena have?
A. John Cena, a well-known WWE performer, shared that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer on two occasions.
