Twist fans didn’t see coming
For decades, John Cena has been the golden boy of WWE, the face of the company, the hero kids looked up to and the guy who never backed down. He carried WWE through the ruthless aggression era, into the PG era and straight into the modern age. But beneath the “Never Give Up” slogans, rainbow-colored t-shirts and countless Make-A-Wish visits, one question has always hung in the air what if John Cena turned heel?
It is not just a fantasy anymore it’s the evolution his character desperately needs.
Fans have been begging for a Cena heel turn for over a decade. He went from being the company’s most beloved star to its most divisive figure. His superhero-like invincibility, squeaky-clean image, and predictable booking made him a magnet for boo’s in cities around the world. The truth is, the pieces for a great villain were always there, the cocky smile, the same five moves, and those rare glimpses of arrogance hidden behind his polished image.
Now, in 2025, with his full-time wrestling days behind him and his legacy secure, there is no better time to flip the switch.
A heel John Cena would be box office gold. Imagine the promos raw, ruthless and painfully honest. The man who preached hustle, loyalty and respect turning his back on the fans who booed him for years. He could take every insult ever hurled at him and throw it right back at the crowd. It is the kind of villain that could rival Hulk Hogan’s legendary NWO turn.
From a storyline angle, it is perfect. Cena’s return matches feel more like tribute acts than anything meaningful. But a heel turn would breathe new life into his character. He could feud with rising stars like Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns playing the bitter veteran who believes no one from this generation will ever live up to his legacy. His Hollywood success only makes the idea better, the out of touch megastar who only comes back when it benefits him, not the fans.
Picture Cena walking down the ramp in a custom suit, shades on, microphone in hand, delivering promos dripping with arrogance. He could mock the very fans who spent years chanting “Cena Sucks,” claiming he carried WWE while they begged for his downfall. The ultimate insult? They finally get the heel turn they wanted only to realize they hate him even more for it.
There is a blueprint for this kind of turn. Bret Hart’s bitter betrayal in 1997. CM Punk’s pipe bomb rebellion. Roman Reigns’ transformation into the Tribal Chief. Cena could tap into years of built-up resentment, turning that into pure, unapologetic heat.
The best part? This version of Cena wouldn’t need cheap tricks or shortcuts. He’s better than everyone else, and he knows it. His whole persona could revolve around proving it outworking, out talking and out classing every opponent while rubbing it in their faces. The “Hollywood Cena” gimmick practically writes itself a smug, self-absorbed megastar who only shows up when the cameras are rolling and the paycheck is fat.
WWE is all about moments and this would be one for the ages. Imagine this Cena cutting a promo, throwing his colorful t-shirts into the trash, and walking away with a smirk that says, “I told you so.” The ripple effect would be massive, making headlines far beyond the wrestling world.
The irony? The same fans who booed him for years would suddenly begging for more. That’s the magic of a great heel turning. it makes you realize the villain was the most captivating character all along.
Every wrestling legend needs that dark chapter. Hogan had it. The Rock had it. Roman Reigns finally embraced it. It’s a long time for John Cena to follow suit not because he has to, but because the story demands it.
Whether he wants to or not, the greatest trick John Cena could ever pull is making us love to hate him.
