Tommy Dreamer, a former WWE Hardcore Champion, has delivered a harsh assessment of the recent John Cena heel turn, calling it one of wrestling’s biggest blunders. Fans and wrestling insiders have been vocal about the move, which saw the long-time babyface shock the industry during a pivotal WWE event, sparking widespread John Cena heel turn reaction.
Dreamer Calls Cena’s Heel Shift a Major Wrestling Mistake
In the aftermath of the WWE Elimination Chamber, John Cena stunned the audience by betraying Cody Rhodes, setting up a dramatic showdown for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania. The unexpected turn saw Cena, accompanied by The Rock and Travis Scott, attack Rhodes, turning heel for the first time in more than twenty years. The incident not only changed the match’s narrative but rattled WWE’s loyal fanbase and veteran wrestlers alike.
Tommy Dreamer shared his frank thoughts about Cena’s new persona in a discussion with Dave LaGreca on the Busted Open Podcast YouTube channel. Dreamer, reflecting on Cena’s legacy while ranking his ten best matches, didn’t mince words on how he viewed the heel turn compared to some of the most infamous WWE decisions.
“I don’t know if it’s a whole other list, but John Cena’s heel term may go down as… It’s number two for worst decision ever. I would say breaking of the Undertaker streak is my number one, but the John Cena thing could be number two,”
Dreammer said. – Tommy Dreamer, Former WWE Hardcore Champion
Dreamer’s comparison to the ending of The Undertaker’s storied WrestleMania streak underlines the significance of his criticism, highlighting how deeply he believes the decision cuts against WWE tradition and fan expectations.
Wade Barrett Also Criticizes Cena’s Character Change
The negative John Cena heel turn reaction extended beyond Dreamer, as Wade Barrett, a five-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, also expressed disappointment. In an interview with Metro, Barrett stated that he believed the heel turn was not the right decision and questioned the counsel Cena may have received during that period. Barrett emphasized Cena’s longstanding relationship with his fans, suggesting it would have been better for the star to retire as the fan favorite he had been for nearly all his career.
“I don’t know if he took some bad advice on the whole heel turn. I didn’t like it at all. I didn’t think it was the right move, and I think his course correct around about SummerSlam time was absolutely the right thing to do. I think he owed it to the WWE Universe and, of course, his legions of Cenation fans to close this thing out the right way and give people what they wanted from him, which is the John Cena they’ve known and loved all along,”
Barrett said. – Wade Barrett, Former WWE Intercontinental Champion
According to Barrett, Cena’s return to a babyface role after SummerSlam was a positive step, allowing the WWE Universe and Cena’s supporters to reconnect with the performer they admired for so long.
Cena’s Final Matches and Legacy Following Heel Turn
After the controversial turn and subsequent role reversal, John Cena competed as a babyface in all subsequent bouts, culminating in his last match on the December 13 episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Despite his efforts, Cena’s final outing saw him defeated by Gunther, a former World Heavyweight Champion, adding another complex chapter to his storied career.
This series of events has left fans and insiders divided, raising questions about how legacy and character changes can reshape perceptions in wrestling. The involvement of major talents like Cody Rhodes, The Rock, and Travis Scott amplified the spectacle, but the backlash from industry veterans like Tommy Dreamer and Wade Barrett suggests that abrupt character shifts—even for established legends like Cena—carry risks that WWE must weigh carefully.
As the dust settles, WWE’s creative decisions regarding its top stars, particularly in the context of major events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam, will likely remain a hot topic for fans and analysts. The passionate debate surrounding John Cena’s heel turn underscores the deep connection between wrestlers and their audience, with both positive and intensely critical reactions shaping WWE’s evolving legacy.
