Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena is preparing to defend his title at SummerSlam with a rematch against Cody Rhodes, and Drew McIntyre has voiced strong criticism against Cena ahead of the event. The SummerSlam Title Match, scheduled to take place in New Jersey, has drawn attention not only for the championship stakes but also because of McIntyre’s sharp comments regarding Cena’s current persona.
Earlier this year, John Cena surprised fans by aligning with The Rock in Toronto before WrestleMania 41, marking a significant shift in his character. Despite the disappearance of The Rock from storylines, Cena secured his 17th world championship during this period. McIntyre, a two-time WWE Champion and one-time World Heavyweight Champion, shared his views in a recent Fox News interview, expressing preference for Cody Rhodes over Cena in the upcoming title match.
“Cena and Cody at SummerSlam. … I’ve said this already. I don’t want this John Cena. This John Cena is a little b***h… We never had a match one-on-one ever. It would be a huge match. I don’t want this Cena,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre further criticized Cena’s current methods in the ring, stating he misses the version of Cena that embodied hustle, loyalty, and respect. He conveyed disappointment over what he sees as cheap match finishes that leave audiences dissatisfied.
“I want to send him packing the way he used to be — hustle, loyalty and respect, doing things the right way. These cheap finishes, everyone leaves the arena like, ‘That freaking s**ked, that was a waste of money.’ I want the actual John Cena. But since he’s not that guy, I want Cody to win that title,” McIntyre said.
Other WWE Figures React to Cena’s Heel Turn
Drew McIntyre is not alone in expressing mixed feelings about John Cena’s transition to a heel character. The veteran legend is currently in the midst of his retirement tour, and there is speculation that the 48-year-old might revert to a fan-favorite role before his departure.
Gunther, another prominent WWE performer, recently spoke on The Wrestling Ringer’s The Masked Man Show. While he acknowledged Cena’s heel turn positively, Gunther hopes that Cena will return to a face character by the end of his career, potentially setting up an engaging match between the two.
“Yeah. That opportunity would be great. I think he’s very busy with what he’s doing now. Maybe towards the end of the year, if he finds his old self or something, if that’s going to happen this year. I don’t know. I feel it would be a very exciting matchup. One of the purest babyfaces there are. I would love the scenario of me being me and a struggling pure babyface John Cena,” Gunther said.
The remarks highlight the anticipation surrounding Cena’s career finale, which is expected to conclude in December, leaving fans eager to see how the 17-time world champion will ultimately close this chapter of his WWE journey.
What Cena’s SummerSlam Outcome Could Mean for WWE
The John Cena SummerSlam Title Match carries significant implications for the WWE landscape. With Drew McIntyre backing Cody Rhodes to claim the title and openly disparaging Cena’s current approach, the storyline tension has intensified. Whether Cena will maintain his heel persona or return to his previous heroic form remains a key question heading into the event.
Moreover, the reactions from other top talents suggest that Cena’s character evolution is a pivotal point in WWE’s ongoing narratives. Should he turn face again, it could lead to fresh rivalries and memorable matches as he finishes his legendary career.
This SummerSlam bout in New Jersey is therefore considered a highly consequential moment for both Cena and Rhodes, with fans and wrestlers alike watching closely to see which direction WWE’s top star will take as his retirement tour advances.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is John Cena diagnosed with?
A. Famous wrestler John Cena has skin cancer. About a year apart, doctors discovered melanoma on his chest and back. Cena mentioned to USA Today that this news altered his perspective on life. He urges men to prioritize skin care.
Q. What is John Cena’s rare disease?
A. John Cena recently explained why he chose to get a hair transplant to cover up his bald spot. During a recent interview, the WWE star criticized wrestling critics, saying they “bullied” him into making this choice.
