John Cena switched back to a babyface character on the SmackDown episode leading up to the 2025 SummerSlam, surprising many fans given the sudden abandonment of his heel persona. Despite the abrupt change, the audience welcomed their longtime hero with cheers. However, this transition has already brought notable challenges, including losing the Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight at the event, indicating his troubles might be far from over.
Faction Fallout and Tensions with The Rock
Earlier this year, The Rock approached Cody Rhodes with an offer to become his champion, but after Rhodes declined, John Cena accepted the offer and attacked Rhodes to solidify his heel alignment. Now, with Cena switching back to babyface, he has openly criticized The Rock’s decision to turn heel, which could create serious repercussions. Given The Rock’s influential status as a board member of TKO, there are concerns he might retaliate by either confronting Cena physically or using company power to disrupt Cena’s ongoing farewell tour.
Heated Rivalry Intensifies with Randy Orton
John Cena’s title defense at the 2025 Backlash against Randy Orton escalated into a personal battle, with Cena attacking the Orton family legacy and attacking the broader reputation of professional wrestling. Provoked by these insults, Orton nearly defeated Cena using his signature Punt Kick and even tapped into his dangerous Legend Killer side, only to be stopped by interference from R-Truth. Though Cena is now a babyface, this feud remains volatile, with Orton poised to demand further confrontation.
Brock Lesnar’s Abrupt Return and Its Impact on Cena
After Cena’s loss at SummerSlam, Brock Lesnar made a shocking comeback at MetLife Stadium, delivering a brutal F5 to a battered Cena without explanation and then quietly departing. This sudden assault visibly unsettled Cena, who appeared distressed and chose to leave the arena in silence, even requesting his music be cut off. Lesnar’s dominant record over Cena, including four wins to Cena’s two, adds an uneasy layer to this rivalry, fueling speculation that Lesnar’s return could jeopardize Cena’s planned retirement tour with further attacks or grueling matches.
The Future Outlook for Cena’s Career After the Babyface Turn
John Cena’s reversion to a babyface persona has triggered three major consequences involving strained relationships with key figures like The Rock, intensified conflicts with Randy Orton, and a threatening presence from Brock Lesnar’s comeback. These developments suggest that Cena’s career path could face serious obstacles, including possible interference in his farewell matches and escalating physical confrontations. Fans will be closely watching how Cena navigates these challenges as he advances toward the conclusion of his wrestling tenure.
