John Cena’s switch to a babyface character at SummerSlam 2025 was a moment that many fans had anticipated for some time. Industry analysts predicted this change would occur before Cena’s retirement later that year, but the exact timing was unclear until Cody Rhodes forced the issue in their match. At SummerSlam, when Cody Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, defeated Cena and received his embrace and support, it symbolized Cena passing the torch to the emerging star.
Booker T Explains Why Cena’s Babyface Turn Was Necessary
During a recent episode of the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T discussed the reasons behind John Cena’s return to a babyface role. He emphasized that Cena has never been a convincing heel, stating that Cena struggles to portray a bad guy convincingly and that his attempts to look angry never seem genuine. According to Booker T, turning Cena back to a face was an effort to “course correct” Cena’s trajectory as he approaches retirement, ensuring the storyline remains credible, especially with Brock Lesnar’s upcoming return.
“I really think this [Brock Lesnar’s return] is all about John Cena not being a heel. I said this. I said, ‘John Cena is not a heel.’ He can’t even play a good heel. He tries to make his face look like he’s mad. And you know it’s not real. You know there is nowhere near, that’s not him. So I thought the babyface turn was John Cena just saying, ‘Hey man, listen let’s just course correct, and get back on pace. We know Brock Lesnar is coming back. I’ll be able to do something with that on the way out.”
—Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
This explanation offers insight into the creative decisions behind John Cena’s portrayal in the weeks leading to his retirement, suggesting a strategic move to preserve his authentic persona while setting up future storylines.
The Ongoing Storyline Between John Cena and Brock Lesnar
Following Cena’s babyface turn, fans are eager to see how the rivalry with Brock Lesnar will evolve. Lesnar’s return hints at significant confrontations that could headline <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE programming in the coming months. Cena’s demeanor as a face sets the stage for dramatic clashes that will encapsulate his farewell chapter in the ring.
Additional Wrestling Updates Covering Injuries and Title Matches
Beyond Cena’s storyline, Paul Heyman recently shed light on Seth Rollins’ knee injury, offering clarity on the situation after the controversial ‘Ruse of the Century’ event. Meanwhile, AEW has announced that Mercedes Mone will defend the AEW TBS Title at the upcoming Forbidden Door event in London, raising anticipation for cross-promotion action. The Young Bucks expressed gratitude toward two prominent AEW stars who helped them following a major match. WWE superstar Jade Cargill revealed the serious nature of an injury she sustained last year, confirming surgery will eventually be necessary. Additionally, The Undertaker commented on potential future opponents, naming one WWE star as a fantasy matchup. Gunther shared his unique opinions about WWE’s celebrity visitors, while Karrion Kross clarified that he remains under contract with WWE. WWE President Nick Khan defended the company’s decision to move its United States Pay-Per-View business to ESPN, standing behind the controversial change.
Implications for WWE’s Storylines and John Cena’s Legacy
John Cena’s babyface turn at SummerSlam 2025 is more than just a character adjustment; it represents a symbolic moment in WWE history as Cena prepares to retire. By reaffirming his babyface status, Cena preserves the authenticity of his character and paves the way for meaningful narratives, particularly with Brock Lesnar’s return looming. This deliberate shift maintains fan engagement while honoring Cena’s legacy as one of WWE’s most iconic performers. Future matches and storylines will likely build on this development, creating lasting impressions as Cena’s career reaches its conclusion.
