John Cena WWE heel turn in early 2025 surprised many fans when Cena shifted from his long-time role as a heroic character to a villainous persona at WWE Elimination Chamber in March. This change lasted until August, marking a significant creative experiment before Cena returned to his familiar fan-favorite status.
The Miz Reflects on Cena’s Rare Heel Transition
On a recent episode of Bussin’ With The Boys, The Miz, a wrestler experienced in navigating the complexities of character changes, discussed Cena’s unusual move to the dark side. He recognized the heel turn as a rare and intriguing deviation for Cena, who has been predominantly a heroic figure for the vast majority of his career.
“I thought (the heel turn) created intrigue and interest. Because John was never a bad guy – in the beginning of his career he was a little bit, but for 99% of his career, he’s been the uber babyface. When people wanted him to change and go to a bad guy, he never did.
And so, I don’t know, this is me speaking just from my mind and what I know as a WWE Superstar – it creates intrigue. It’s like, ‘Oh, he’s never done that?’ And maybe John wanted to do that, or maybe the higher-ups wanted him to do that, or it was just a collective unit where they were like, ‘Let’s try that.’ But sometimes that happens, and you see what happens. John can make anything work. John is just that talented.
— The Miz, WWE Superstar
Exploring Cena’s Work Ethic and Influence Beyond Wrestling
The Miz additionally praised Cena’s dedication and how his work ethic extends beyond WWE, emphasizing his success in Hollywood and television, such as his acclaimed role in the series Peacemaker. This relentless commitment has inspired not only fans but also his fellow wrestlers.
“You look at what he’s able to do, not only in WWE, but in the movies. If you watch Peacemaker, that show is phenomenal, so good. It’s the work ethic that John Cena has. And he’s parlayed it to every person that he’s come across. Like, for me, my work ethic stems from what he has put upon me.
It was kind of cool because he did (the heel turn), and then it was like, ‘Ooh, this is weird, this is interesting, but everyone’s talking about it, because it’s John Cena.’ And then when he changed back, it created that much more, ‘Yes, he’s back. Our guy’s back.’
— The Miz, WWE Superstar
Significance of Cena’s Character Shift and Audience Reaction
John Cena referring to himself as “the last real champion” triggered mixed responses, with commentators like Lance Storm expressing disagreement with the phrase following Cena’s WWE Raw promo. Despite this, the brief heel run generated substantial buzz, showing how even a minor detour in Cena’s character can engage audiences deeply. The Miz acknowledged the unique nature of this period due to Cena’s immense popularity and talent.
Additional Insights: Cody Rhodes and the Wrestling Landscape
The Miz also shared perspectives on Cody Rhodes, noting how Rhodes was widely viewed as midcard talent in WWE before departing to help form AEW and achieve success on the independent wrestling circuit. This point reflects the shifting dynamics within professional wrestling and the increasing prominence of alternative promotions.
What’s Ahead for John Cena and WWE Characters?
The Miz’s reflections shed light on the rare, creative decisions WWE explores with established stars like John Cena. His versatile approach and proven ability to engage fans in any role underline the impact of such bold moves. As WWE continues to experiment with heel and face turns, the response to these changes remains a crucial factor in storytelling direction. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how Cena’s legacy unfolds, especially following his return to his traditional hero role.
