John Cena’s most shocking heel moments in WWE have redefined his storied career, captivating audiences over a dramatic 100-day run since his turn at the 2025 Elimination Chamber. As Cena’s farewell tour unfolds, fans are witnessing a side of the superstar rarely seen, with epic events leading up to his in-ring retirement by the end of the year.
Cena’s heel character burst onto the scene at the debut of Monday Night RAW on Netflix, following an emotional announcement at the WWE Money in the Bank Premium Live Event. He pledged that his final year would be unforgettable, and the months since have delivered controversy, explosive rivalries, and shocking betrayals, keeping viewers on edge. Here’s a breakdown of the five most jaw-dropping highlights from Cena’s run as a villain, punctuated by betrayals, historic clashes, and emotional farewells.
An Emotional Encounter With Randy Orton Stuns Fans
Cena’s rivalry with Randy Orton remains one of WWE’s most cherished stories, and their final clash occurred soon after WrestleMania 41 when Orton was named Cena’s first challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The pair met at WWE Backlash PLE, set dramatically in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, for what would likely be their last battle inside a WWE ring.
The match itself was marked by chaos, but ultimately, Cena retained the title—a belt he once lost after a mere five minutes. The intensity shifted when Cena, typically the cold-hearted heel, was seen overcome by emotion at the realization that he was sharing the ring with Orton for the final time. This authentic display resonated with the WWE Universe and highlighted the respect that still exists between two longtime adversaries.
Cena Directs His First Villainous Speech Towards a Young Fan
The aftermath of Cena’s turn at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event left fans and critics demanding answers, and Cena addressed them with a venomous promo on RAW in Brussels. Returning to the microphone, he didn’t hold back his disdain for the crowd’s years of hostility, and he shocked everyone by targeting a young boy in the front row, dressed loyally in Cena’s image—a move that ricocheted across social platforms within minutes.
“Each one of you, even that little kid there, are a toxic, dysfunctional relationship… You have made the butt of an invisible joke for 15 years and you still think it’s funny, it’s not funny!”
— John Cena during #WWERaw today pic.twitter.com/tPNMS2xH6r— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 17, 2025
The sight of Cena verbally attacking a young fan, marking his separation from his once family-friendly persona, served as undeniable evidence of his transformed character—a move both criticized and praised by the WWE Universe. The moment, now infamous, rode the waves of social media, validating Cena’s capacity for genuine shock and controversy even after decades in the business.
Cody Rhodes Forces Cena to Reflect on His WWE Legacy
In the buildup to WrestleMania 41, Cena and Cody Rhodes engaged in a heated exchange that took a personal turn on RAW in London. Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, alluded to Cena’s long association with former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, contrasting it with his own journey as a fan-chosen leader. This bombshell, delivered in front of a live audience, drew a powerful, vocal reaction from fans and forced Cena to grapple with criticism that he had always been the corporate favorite.
The confrontation highlighted the shifting allegiances in WWE, spotlighting old wounds and bringing hidden tensions to the surface as Cena’s legacy was dissected before his farewell. Both figures—Rhodes as a babyface and Cena, now a heel—set the stage for a generational clash at the grandest stage of them all, making their feud one of the most compelling narratives of the year.
Cena Aligns With The Rock, Betrays Cody Rhodes in a Stunning Turn
The 2025 WWE Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event will be remembered as a turning point in professional wrestling, marking the seismic moment John Cena fully embraced his dark side. After winning the chamber match and standing alongside Cody Rhodes to preview their upcoming battle at WrestleMania 41, events took a dramatic turn when The Rock and Travis Scott stormed the ring.
The Rock, also known as The Final Boss, demanded Cody Rhodes’ allegiance. When Rhodes refused and chose to side with Cena, everything changed in an instant. Cena’s demeanor shifted at a signal from The Rock, and he proceeded to deliver a devastating low blow to Rhodes, leaving the audience stunned.
John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber was a topic on ESPN’s First Take this morning😭I want y’all to put the word out there that we back up. WRESTLING IS BACK🔥pic.twitter.com/yQEZzWFVGJ— Public Enemies Podcast (@PublicEnemiesHQ) March 3, 2025
This moment, played and replayed across major platforms, confirmed Cena’s allegiance with some of the company’s notorious figures and solidified his dramatic shift from hero to villain. The betrayal not only shocked fans in attendance but also reverberated across the WWE Universe, setting a new bar for heel turns in wrestling lore.
Cena Secures His Record 17th World Title in Controversial Fashion
The zenith of Cena’s heel story arrived at WrestleMania 41, where he clashed with Cody Rhodes in a match loaded with drama and interference. With Travis Scott attempting to tip the scales for Cena but ultimately neutralized by Rhodes, the contest teetered on a knife’s edge. Rhodes, championship belt in hand, hesitated to use it, providing Cena with the window to strike back.
Cena capitalized on the hesitation by delivering a low blow and using the belt to secure victory, clinching his unprecedented 17th World title—a feat unmatched in WWE history. The controversial ending further enraged fans but displayed Cena’s cemented role as a calculating, win-at-all-costs heel. Wrestling historians and enthusiasts alike consider this a landmark moment in Cena’s career and the broader narrative of the company, as the record-breaking win was achieved through underhanded tactics instead of the grit and determination that had defined his earlier years.
Cena’s Final Showdowns and What Awaits at Night of Champions
With less than twenty matches left in his farewell tour, John Cena now faces the prospect of defending his Undisputed WWE title at the upcoming Night of Champions PLE in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His challenger is none other than CM Punk, reigniting one of the WWE’s fiercest rivalries for a much-anticipated final encounter.
The dynamic has shifted markedly since their previous showdowns, with Cena now firmly positioned as the antagonistic heel and Punk embracing the crowd favorite role. This reversal adds layers of tension and unpredictability, as fans anticipate the climactic chapter in their storied rivalry. The WWE Universe is bracing for what promises to be an emotional and possibly history-making conclusion, as Cena seeks to end his legendary career not only as champion but as one of the most controversial figures in sports entertainment.
Cena’s farewell tour, marked by betrayal, emotional goodbyes, and historic achievements, has provided unforgettable moments that will resonate long after his retirement. As his journey comes to a close, the world waits to see how his legacy, defined by these shocking heel moments, will ultimately be remembered in the chronicles of WWE history.
