After more than two decades as WWE’s ultimate good guy, John Cena has finally turned heel (or evil). The wrestling legend shocked fans by betraying Cody Rhodes at WWE Elimination Chamber, aligning himself with The Rock in a move that sent social media into a frenzy.
A Career-Defining Moment
Cena, who stated 2025 would be his last year competing as an active wrestler, just captured the Elimination Chamber match to earn a WrestleMania opportunity at the WWE Championship. WWE champion Cody Rhodes, the current top babyface of WWE, came into the ring to shake Cena’s hand, preparing for what appeared to be a classy, high-stakes contest.
Instead, The Rock interrupted, leading to a heated exchange with Rhodes. In a stunning turn of events, Cena attacked Rhodes, joining forces with The Rock and special guest Travis Scott in a brutal beatdown. The audience watched in disbelief as one of WWE’s most beloved figures crossed over to the dark side.
The Internet Erupts
Social media exploded with reactions, memes and disbelief over Cena’s shocking betrayal. Fans compared the moment to Hulk Hogan’s infamous heel turn in 1996 when he became “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan. Cena, who has spent his career embodying the “Never Give Up” mantra, now stands alongside The Rock as WWE’s newest villainous duo.
Memes inundated the internet, with some joking that Cena’s young fan base was having a hard time adjusting to the shift. Others cited his viral 2011 press conference announcing the death of Osama bin Laden and his tendency to follow almost a million on X (formerly Twitter).
Why Now?
Cena flirted with heel character before, most significantly in his “Doctor of Thuganomics” period of the early 2000s. Still, his affinity for kids and record-breaking contributions to the Make-A-Wish Foundation prevented WWE from making the transition.
Now that Cena’s in-ring life is coming to an end, WWE finally acted, building towards a heated and volatile path to WrestleMania. The fans are left speculating—what will Cena have to say next?
What’s Next?
Following the incident, Cena showed up at the post-show press conference but remained mum, merely dropping the mic and exiting. His silence has done little to diminish the mystery, with fans clamoring for his response in the weeks to come.
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One thing is for sure, though: John Cena’s heel turn is one of the biggest surprises in WWE history, and the world of wrestling will never be the same again.
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