The Miz recently addressed the ongoing questions surrounding John Cena’s heel turn during WWE Elimination Chamber, shedding light on why the move ultimately did not stick. Cena’s surprising heel turn initially generated buzz as the top WWE star promised to “destroy wrestling,” but the angle fizzled out, leading to his return as a face before SummerSlam. The Miz’s insights provide a closer look at the internal thinking behind the controversial character change.
Insights From The Miz on Cena’s Heel Turn Decision
On the latest episode of the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, The Miz, a former WWE Intercontinental Champion, revealed that the company likely planned the heel turn to spark interest, given Cena’s long-standing image as a heroic babyface. He pointed out how unusual it was for Cena to adopt a villainous role since he had rarely portrayed a bad guy throughout his career.
“I thought it created intrigue and interest because John was never a bad guy. Like, I mean, in the beginning of his career, he was a little bit. But I mean, for 99% of his career, he’s been the uber baby [face]. Even 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 on my mind and what I know as a WWE superstar. It creates intrigue. It’s like, ‘Oh, he’s never done that.’ Maybe John wanted to do that because, 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.”
The Miz’s comments highlight the uncertainty around whether Cena himself or WWE management initiated the shift. The overall sense was that the change aimed to refresh Cena’s character and add excitement to his storytelling arc.
The Build and Impact of Cena’s Heel Persona
The Miz acknowledged that Cena’s heel turn succeeded in capturing attention and sparking conversation within wrestling circles and the fanbase. He also praised Cena’s dedication and skill, not just in the ring but as a performer across multiple platforms like television, noting Cena’s starring role in the popular series Peacemaker.
“But sometimes that happens, right? And you see what happens. And I mean, John can make anything work. John is just that talented. I mean, you look at what he’s able to do, not only in WWE, but in the movies. I mean, you watch, if you watch Peacemaker, I mean, 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, like my work ethic stems from what he has put upon me, if that makes any sense.”
The podcast host Will Compton agreed that the heel turn generated huge engagement and implied that WWE could easily reverse course if the villainous character did not resonate with audiences. Miz, however, saw the dynamic differently: the backlash against the heel turn only fueled excitement once Cena reverted to his heroic role, particularly since fans knew Cena’s WWE appearances were limited.
“So it was kind of cool because he did it, 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, like, yes, he’s back. Our guy’s back for the next four—I mean, what is it? Three months now. We get him for three more months.”
Understanding the Broader Effects of the Heel Turn Attempt
The brief heel run gave fans a fresh perspective on Cena’s character and stirred discussions about his legacy. Despite the turn’s short lifespan, it demonstrated Cena’s ability to adapt and generate interest regardless of his role’s nature. The Miz’s perspective suggests that even temporary creative risks contribute to the ongoing narrative vitality within WWE.
As a seasoned WWE figure himself, The Miz’s reflections underscore the complexities of character development and storytelling in professional wrestling. Cena’s heel turn, though fleeting, showcased the constant balancing act between inventive storytelling and audience expectations.
While Cena’s babyface persona remains his defining identity, this experiment with villainy reinforced his versatility and ongoing appeal. Looking ahead, fans can expect Cena to continue leveraging his charisma and work ethic in the closing months of his WWE presence, while The Miz keeps a watchful eye on how top stars evolve their personas.
