After aligning with The Rock and embracing a heel persona at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, John Cena emerged as The Final Boss’ corporate champion by dethroning Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. With the possibility of a John Cena heel turn 2025 storyline shifting again if Cena reconsiders his allegiances, several top contenders may step up to become The Rock’s chosen representative.
John Cena’s Corporate Reign and Possible Face Turn
John Cena’s unexpected shift to the villainous side, sealed by his victory over Cody Rhodes to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship, sent shockwaves through WWE. While he publicly denied ever compromising his principles for The Rock—stating his success came from sound strategy—there remains an undercurrent suggesting he could pivot back to being a fan favorite. This ambiguity has prompted speculation about who might fill the corporate champion role should Cena step away from The Rock’s influence.
Drew McIntyre: A Desperate Challenger Ready for Opportunity
Drew McIntyre, often called The Scottish Psychopath, has spent years pursuing a world title but has faced continuous setbacks. After his defeat at Clash at the Castle 2022—where interference by Solo Sikoa cost him the win over Roman Reigns—McIntyre clawed back to prominence by claiming victory at the 2024 Elimination Chamber, earning a World Heavyweight Championship shot. At WrestleMania XL, he finally overcame Seth Rollins, but Damian Priest capitalized on a timely Money in the Bank cash-in after a calculated assault from CM Punk, snatching the title from the Scotsman in mere minutes.
The Scottish Psychopath briefly secured the Mr. Money in the Bank contract himself in 2024, only for CM Punk to upend his progress once again. Despite a string of high-profile matches and wins, McIntyre found himself distanced from immediate title contention and has since gone on hiatus. However, his friendly rapport with The Rock positions him as a compelling candidate to assume the corporate champion mantle if Cena stages a return to the fans’ side. McIntyre’s hunger for championship glory and willingness to back The Final Boss could make him the ideal successor in this unpredictable corporate alliance.
Cody Rhodes: The American Nightmare’s Tempting Offer
The Rock’s own trajectory has taken a dramatic turn in 2025, with a notable babyface appearance during RAW’s Netflix debut in January, where he thanked the WWE roster, including Cody Rhodes, for their dedication to building the brand. Prior to the 2025 Elimination Chamber, The Rock petitioned Rhodes to accept the role of corporate champion and, in his words, “sell his soul.” Rhodes’ refusal led to a brutal beatdown from Cena and the loss of his Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41.
Upon his return at Saturday Night’s Main Event in May, the first-ever Men’s Crown Jewel Champion revealed that, despite previous resistance, The High Chief’s offer remained on the table. Presently, Rhodes continues his run as a babyface, though the possibility exists that The Rock could eventually persuade him to become a villain. If Cena rejects the corporate champion post, Rhodes—gifted another shot at the Undisputed Championship—could realign and accept The Brahma Bull’s guidance, fundamentally changing the landscape of WWE allegiances.
Seth Rollins: The Architect’s Reluctant Bargain
Seth Rollins, known as The Visionary, has positioned himself as pro wrestling’s self-appointed savior, vowing to protect the sport’s integrity. Supported by allies Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed, Rollins achieved victory in the 2025 Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. His crusade against part-timers dominating WWE places John Cena directly in his sights, especially given Cena’s statement that he plans to make just 16 more appearances before aiming to retire as Undisputed WWE Champion.
Rollins’ ambitions and values could intersect with The Rock’s goals. While Cena’s sporadic schedule might undermine The Final Boss’s preference for an active champion, Rollins could make a calculated pact to dethrone Cena—as long as it serves his mission to keep professional wrestling vital and competitive. In this scenario, Rollins might accept The Rock’s offer, assuming the corporate champion identity to ensure the championship is represented by a fully invested competitor. The potential for The Architect to “sacrifice his soul” for the business adds another layer of intrigue to future developments between Cena, Rollins, and The Rock.
What Lies Ahead for The Rock, John Cena, and WWE
The dynamic between John Cena, The Rock, and WWE’s top contenders remains in flux. As the prospect of Cena turning face simmers, Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins each stand ready to seize the opportunity for power—and perhaps for their own redemption or legacy. This evolving power struggle will have a profound effect on the WWE championship scene as superstars and fans alike await the next twist in this turbulent era.
