On March 1, 2025, the WWE Elimination Chamber event held at Toronto’s Rogers Centre stunned fans worldwide when John Cena executed his first heel turn in nearly 20 years. After the Elimination Chamber match, Cena aligned himself with The Rock’s faction, The Final Boss Rock, by unexpectedly attacking Cody Rhodes in the main event, leaving the audience in disbelief. This unexpected betrayal marked a dramatic shift in Cena’s character and initiated a new rebellious phase in his career, underscoring the significance of this moment in WWE history.
The crowd was left shocked as Big Match John left Rhodes bloodied and then joined forces with The Rock and rapper Travis Scott, signaling a bold new direction. This collaboration introduced a defiant attitude never before seen from Cena, amplifying the impact of his WWE heel turn in 2025.
Cena’s Challenging First Heel Promo on WWE Monday Night RAW
On March 17, Cena delivered his first lengthy heel promo on WWE Monday Night RAW, where he justified his betrayal by accusing the fans of taking advantage of him for years. He claimed that despite giving his best, it was never enough to satisfy the audience. His promo criticized the crowd‘s shifting loyalties, which was met with intense boos and chants of “Cena sucks.” During this heated moment, Cody Rhodes interrupted, promising retaliation and confronting Cena’s new antagonistic stance.
John Cena Reflects on His Initial Heel Promo at Fan Expo Chicago
At Fan Expo Chicago, Cena shared his honest thoughts regarding his debut heel promo on RAW. When questioned about his feelings toward the crowd’s reaction, he admitted that rather than being upset, he felt he had failed in his role as a villain. Cena’s candid admission emphasized the challenges of transitioning into a heel character after a long career as a fan favorite.
“I wasn’t upset. No, I failed… Ain’t nothing wrong with that. You can learn from failure, right? I went up there and bombed. Sh*t happens.”
—John Cena, WWE Superstar
The Return to Babyface and Intense Feud with Cody Rhodes
After months as a heel, John Cena officially returned to his babyface persona during the August 1, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown. This transition culminated in a brutal street fight against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025, held at MetLife Stadium. Both men fiercely competed for the Undisputed WWE Championship in the event’s main match.
At the match‘s conclusion, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious and raised Cena’s hand in a gesture that symbolized mutual respect and Cena’s acceptance back into the role of a beloved hero. The crowd responded with chants of “thank you Cena,” highlighting their appreciation for Cena’s contributions and his renewed status as a babyface in WWE. However, the celebration was cut short when Brock Lesnar made a shocking return and delivered an F-5 to the 17-time World Champion, setting up fresh conflict.
Brock Lesnar’s Unexpected Return and Its Implications
Brock Lesnar’s sudden reappearance at SummerSlam 2025 added another layer of unpredictability to WWE’s evolving storylines. By attacking Cena immediately after the intense championship bout, Lesnar reasserted himself as a dominant force within the company. This return creates new challenges and rivalries for Cena, signaling a continued dynamic storyline in the months ahead.
