The lifework of John Cena in WWE is remarkable as he became the icon of the company throughout the PG Era. Consistently portrayed as a hero, Cena never experienced a storyline turn to become a villain. There were times when such a shift seemed possible, with Vince McMahon at one point considering transforming him into a heel character similar to Bret Hart, but ultimately the idea was abandoned. Cody Rhodes himself has expressed support for the decision not to adopt a heel storyline for Cena.
Although John Cena demonstrated that he could convincingly play a heel during his Doctor of Thuganomics era, WWE chose not to go down that path once he became the company’s leading figure. Vince McMahon took pride in the fact that he consistently shot down suggestions to turn Cena into a heel.
As a guest on the Cheap Heat Productions podcast hosted by Peter Rosenberg and Statguy Greg, Cody Rhodes compared his own wrestling persona to that of John Cena and voiced his approval of WWE’s choice to maintain Cena’s babyface persona.
“I think minimally about [the prospect of turning heel.] And I could…you never say never. John [Cena]’s never happened, and I think rightfully so. I think what we got there, we look back at now and realize [it was right not to turn him.]”
“I think what we got there, we look back at now and realize, I was just watching him vs. Umaga the other day, you see the magic of what John was able to do.”
It has also been discussed in previous reports why WWE never turned John Cena heel, despite a vocal segment of fans clamoring for such a storyline. Regardless of this, John Cena’s appearances on WWE television are always celebrated by fans, underscoring the enduring appeal of his babyface character.
Do you concur with Cody Rhodes’s viewpoint that John Cena remaining a babyface was ultimately the correct decision for WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
FAQ Section
Why did WWE choose to never turn John Cena heel?
While the exact reasons are speculative, it’s believed that Cena’s massive appeal as a role model to younger fans and his status as the top merchandise seller played key roles in WWE’s decision.
Did John Cena express any interest in turning heel?
Throughout the years, John Cena has acknowledged that he was prepared for a heel turn if WWE needed him to, but he also understood the larger business implications and responsibilities associated with his babyface character.
How did fans react to John Cena’s unchanging babyface character?
The reaction was mixed; some fans appreciated his resiliency and commitment to his character, while others became vocal about their desire for a fresh persona stemming from a heel turn.
What has Cody Rhodes said about the potential of turning heel himself?
Cody Rhodes admitted thinking minimally about a heel turn for himself, indicating an understanding of the value and impact of a consistent babyface character akin to John Cena’s.
Conclusion
Wrestling storylines often thrive on dynamic changes and character developments, yet there are exceptions to this standard. The steadfast babyface portrayal of John Cena is a prime example of such an exception. The support of Cody Rhodes for WWE’s long-standing decision aligns with an evident respect for maintaining Cena’s role as a hero, a decision that continues to shape his enduring legacy. Whether or not fans agree, Cena’s impact as a babyface is carved into WWE history, proving to be a defining aspect of his wrestling career and the company’s success during his tenure.