At the Elimination Chamber event in 2025, John Cena shocked the wrestling world by turning heel for the first time in over two decades, immediately following his victory that secured a WrestleMania title shot. This unexpected shift led to an unprecedented reaction from fans, who largely booed Cena, marking a rare moment in his long career as a beloved babyface. The phenomenon of John Cena WWE fan boos has been rare but significant throughout wrestling history, reflecting a complex relationship between Cena and the audience over many years.
The Early Signs of Fan Division at SummerSlam 2005
After dethroning JBL to become WWE Champion, John Cena quickly became the center of mixed fan reactions. The SummerSlam 2005 event at the MCI Center in Washington DC featured the Custody of Dominik Ladder Match and a major bout between Cena and Chris Jericho. Although Jericho was cast as the antagonist, the crowd’s reaction defied expectations: they cheered for Jericho while booing Cena. The following night, Jericho lost a Loser Leaves Town match to Cena, but the negative reaction toward Cena persisted, signaling the beginning of the fans’ growing ambivalence toward the WWE’s top face.
High-Stakes Battles and Fan Sentiments at Unforgiven 2006
Unforgiven 2006 showcased a historic first in WWE with the singles TLC match between John Cena and Edge, marking Cena’s third WWE Championship win. Edge’s presence was amplified by his real-life relationship with Lita, who lost the women’s title to Trish Stratus in her final match at the same event. The Toronto crowd was firmly behind Edge, whose performances against Cena helped elevate him into a main-event star throughout 2006. Despite the tight competition and Cena’s triumph, the fans’ mixed loyalties emphasized the growing complexity in Cena’s reception among wrestling audiences.
WrestleMania 22: Boos Amidst Respect for the Opposition
At WrestleMania 22, held in an arena setting, the tension between John Cena and Triple H highlighted the divided fanbase. Despite Triple H’s injury preventing a rematch at WrestleMania 23, the Chicago crowd booed Cena during this match, indicating they regarded Triple H as the more respected competitor at the time. Notably, CM Punk made a debut appearance as part of Cena’s entrance, adding another layer of intrigue to the event. The boos at this stage reflected a shift in fan sentiment, foreshadowing future receptions.
Raw Episode July 25, 2011: Rey Mysterio’s Brief Title and Cena’s Boos
The WWE experienced a moment of upheaval when Rey Mysterio briefly won the WWE title during an episode of Raw, only to defend it against John Cena on the same night. Known as a fan favorite, Rey was cheered intensely, while Cena was heavily booed by the crowd, especially after regaining the championship. This reaction stemmed partly from WWE’s evolving storylines and indicated a significant moment where Cena faced widespread fan rejection despite his champion status.
The New York Crowd’s Response at SummerSlam 2016
New York wrestling fans have developed a reputation for their blunt and vocal reactions. At SummerSlam 2016, held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the crowd was ready to cheer AJ Styles, making his first major WWE appearance in New York. In contrast, John Cena was met with persistent boos, reminding fans of similar reactions from a decade earlier. AJ Styles’ eventual victory further emphasized the fans’ preference, underlining New York’s challenging environment for Cena’s persona.
SummerSlam 2006: A Boston Crowd Divided Over Cena and Edge
The TD Garden in Boston hosted another significant match between Cena and Edge during SummerSlam 2006. With Edge needing to avoid disqualification to retain his WWE Title, the match featured moments where Edge warned Lita against interference. Despite Cena’s local ties to Boston, the fans favored Edge, cheering his title retention enthusiastically while expressing limited support for Cena. The dynamic between the two wrestlers, who dubbed each other “Old Shoe” due to their comfort working together, did nothing to soften the crowd’s preference.
Elimination Chamber 2025: The Impact of Cena’s Heel Turn
At the recent Elimination Chamber event in Toronto, John Cena’s heel turn after a hard-fought match against CM Punk was the most startling moment of the night. Throughout the match, the Toronto audience strongly cheered for Punk, who sought his WrestleMania main event spot after eliminating all competitors. When Cena secured the victory, the fans responded with boos, reflecting their disappointment. Even with official heel status, Cena still received some cheers, demonstrating the complexity of his fan relationships.
WrestleMania 28: The Clash with The Rock
WrestleMania 28, held in Florida, was a landmark event featuring John Cena against The Rock. The Rock was warmly welcomed back to WWE after an eight-year absence focused on his film career, and his victory was met with a hero’s homecoming atmosphere. Fans expressed mixed feelings toward Cena’s dominant portrayal during the buildup, which contributed to a split reception. Ultimately, The Rock’s win underscored a temporary shift in fan allegiance during this high-profile rivalry.
One Night Stand 2006: ECW Fans Reject Cena
The One Night Stand event in 2006 brought John Cena into ECW territory, where non-ECW wrestlers traditionally face intense scrutiny. Cena was challenged by Rob Van Dam, who cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win the WWE Title. The ECW audience reacted harshly to Cena, booing him continuously—from his entrance to interactions with the crowd—until RVD captured the championship. This event highlighted how regional and brand loyalties could affect fan attitudes toward Cena.
Money in the Bank 2011: CM Punk’s Hometown Advantage
The Money in the Bank 2011 event in Chicago remains one of the most notable times John Cena was booed out of an arena. CM Punk, who was planning to leave WWE with the title, made a symbolic stand in his hometown, sparking overwhelming fan support and chants that favored Punk. Despite Cena’s efforts, the Windy City firmly sided against him, and the CM Punk chants persisted well beyond the event, illustrating the extent of Cena’s polarizing presence.
John Cena’s career has been marked not only by overwhelming success but also by moments where audiences have vocally opposed him. This complex dynamic—ranging from boos in major cities like Chicago and New York to divided crowds at landmark events—reveals the evolving nature of wrestling fandom and Cena’s unique role within it. His recent heel turn at Elimination Chamber 2025 could signal a new chapter in his relationship with fans, potentially reshaping his legacy and how future storylines are received.
