WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair recently shared his thoughts on why John Cena‘s heel turn feels distinct from that of Hulk Hogan. Flair pointed out that while both were immensely popular fan favorites before turning heel, their approaches to playing villains could not be more different due to their core personalities.
Hulk Hogan became a heel in 1996 by joining the New World Order (nWo), while John Cena made his switch earlier this year at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event by attacking Cody Rhodes. Flair highlighted that people like Cena, Ricky Steamboat, Jack Brisco, and Sting have such inherently good characters that it is difficult for them to convincingly take on the role of a bad guy.
“The thing about John [Cena], John is Ricky Steamboat. There’s nothing bad about John. You know, some guys like Jack Brisco all that, and Ricky Steamboat, Sting, and all that, they just can’t be a heel. And John is great as he is all that, he’s just not a bad guy because he’s such a good guy. Is that thing right?” stated Flair. —Ric Flair
Why Hulk Hogan’s Heel Persona Had a Different Edge
Flair contrasted Cena’s heel role with Hogan’s ability to portray a tougher, more abrasive villain. He explained that Hogan’s heel character had an edge rooted in his intense battles to maintain his top spot during his career, which naturally brought out a harsher side of his personality. Flair also noted that many others, like Roddy Piper, shared this ruthless competitiveness in pursuit of wrestling’s spotlight.
“Hulk could be a prick. But it’s from all those years of battling for a spot. You don’t think Roddy Piper wasn’t? I mean, I know for a fact. I mean, everybody wanted Hulk’s spot. But hey man, it is a testament to who he is that he was able to go through it,” he said. —Ric Flair
John Cena’s Upcoming High-Stakes Match at WWE SummerSlam
John Cena is scheduled to defend his record-setting 17th World Championship at WWE SummerSlam in a special stipulation match. The champion earned this title by defeating Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion. The rematch between Cena and Rhodes is set to take place at the MetLife Stadium, where Cena will face significant challenges to retain his belt.
Cody Rhodes secured his opportunity by winning the King of the Ring tournament, earning himself a championship match at one of WWE’s biggest annual events. During a contract signing on July 18’s Friday Night SmackDown, Cena initially refused to compete at SummerSlam. However, Rhodes forced the champion’s hand by attacking him and making Cena agree to a Street Fight for the title.
As the event approaches, fans remain anxious about whether Cena will continue his pursuit of retiring as the reigning champion or if Rhodes will claim the title in one of WWE’s most intense rivalries.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is John Cena diagnosed with?
A. Famous wrestler John Cena has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Doctors identified melanoma on his chest and back, discovered about a year apart. Cena shared with USA Today that this diagnosis altered his perspective on life. He encourages men to pay more attention to skin care.
Q. Has John Cena ever had surgery?
A. John Cena recently talked about why he decided to get hair transplant surgery to fix his bald spot. In a recent interview, the WWE star openly criticized wrestling critics, saying they “bullied” him into making this choice.
Q. What illness does John Cena have?
A. John Cena, a well-known WWE star, shared that he has received a skin cancer diagnosis on two different occasions.
