I've been watching wrestling for a long time, and I've seen countless legends come and go. I once thought Undertaker retiring Shawn Micheals was the best send off..Then he returned for a Saudi show a few years later.
Shawn Super Kicking Ric Flair into retirement was amazing...But Flair later signed to TNA, and couldn't stay out of the ring because he's a mad man.
Terry Funk retired how many times during the 90s? A lot, right? 🤣
But John Cena's heel turn at Elimination Chamber? That, I think, is the perfect way to cap off his career. It's not just a simple change of alignment; it's a complete revitalization of his character, a breath of fresh air that was desperately needed.
For years, Cena was the epitome of the unstoppable hero. He's known as Super Cena because...Well, He always won. He always found a way to overcome the odds. And while that was entertaining for a while, it got old. It became predictable.
That's why you started hearing those dueling chants:
Kids and their moms: Let's go Cena!
The dads and uncles: CENA SUX!!
Fans wanted something different, something more.
And that's exactly what this heel turn provides. It's a progression, a natural evolution of his character. It's not just about him going out there and running through his greatest hits. It's about creating new moments, new rivalries, new stories. Imagine a feud with Randy Orton now. It wouldn't be a rehash of their old battles(all one million of 'em); it would be something completely fresh and unexpected.
He doesn't need to resort to cheap nostalgia, either. He doesn't need to dust off the Dr. of Thuganomics gimmick to get a pop from the crowd. Instead, he can use his past against the WWE fans. He can mock his old persona, acknowledge the fans only wanna see him make a fool of himself, while he's dead set on making a fool out of Cody.
This heel turn is about generating genuine interest, not just relying on past glories. It's about making fans care again, about giving them a reason to invest in Cena's final chapter. It's about creating a sense of anticipation, a feeling that anything can happen.
And let's be honest, a heel Cena is just plain entertaining. It's a chance to see a different side of him, a side we've never seen before. It's a chance to see him push boundaries, to challenge expectations, and to create some truly memorable moments.
I think the best possible end to this run, is for him to eventually turn babyface again, Right before he finally retires. It would be a complete character arc. A journey that started with a hero, went through a villain, and ended with a redemption after he's taken down by one of the new top guys on the roster...
...He choked out Punk to win a title shot, taking advantage of Seth Rollins's interference. He was called out by Drew before the Elimination Chamber, for not earning his spot in the match. He's got a history with Roman...There's a lot of things Cena can do while being a part of this Travis Scott infused faction being lead by The Rock.
Ultimately, Cena's heel turn is a masterstroke. It's a bold move that has the potential to elevate his final run to legendary status. It's a testament to his willingness to evolve, to take risks, and to give the fans something truly special. And for that, I'm grateful because Wrestlemania is looking a whole lot better because of him.