Cena has been seen as the good guy on WWE screens for most of his career
John Cena had a stranglehold on the WWE universe for more than two decades as he racked up 16 world championships and several WrestleMania main event headliners.
On Saturday night, Cena broke the hearts of millions who grew up watching him when he kicked undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes between the legs following a cue from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
John Cena in action against Cody Rhodes during WWE Elimination Chamber at Rogers Centre on March 1, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
Cena won the men’s Elimination Chamber match as CM Punk passed out from his submission maneuver. Rhodes came down the entrance way to congratulate Cena, and the two began to chat – in what appeared to be a friendly conversation. The Rock interrupted the festivities and joined the two WrestleMania 41 opponents in the ring.
The Rock asked Rhodes whether he would become "his champion" and "sell his soul" to him. Rhodes turned to the "Final Boss" and told him to go "f--- yourself." Cena appeared to be excited by what was happening as was the crowd in Toronto. He embraced Rhodes but took a long stare at The Rock, who gave him the signal to give Rhodes a beatdown.
John Cena hugs Cody Rhodes during WWE Elimination Chamber at Rogers Centre on March 1, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)
Cena was booed as The Rock and musical artist Travis Scott looked down as Cena beat Rhodes down. Pro wrestling fans were left in shock at the Rogers Centre and on social media.
SPEECHLESS. 💔
— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2025
JOHN CENA just viciously TURNED on CODY RHODES at #WWEChamber! pic.twitter.com/jSyaCud7Wz
IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED.#WWEChamber pic.twitter.com/IrSkzn4j39
— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2025
HUSTLE.
— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2025
LOYALTY.
DISRESPECT. pic.twitter.com/BKW0IVZlyi
Think I might crash out
— Ron Killings (@RonKillings) March 2, 2025
I’ve watched wrestling for almost 20 years and this is the single most insane thing I’ve ever seen in professional wrestling. They really did it. They turned John Cena heel. This is REAL TO ME. pic.twitter.com/BB8MmBe7Os
— AEW Out Of Content (@zerocontextAEW) March 2, 2025
my inner child thinking john cena will never turn heel vs adult me seeing it happen 😭 pic.twitter.com/mPwCJFAr9d
— Complex (@Complex) March 2, 2025
Within the hour, John Cena had two different expressions lol pic.twitter.com/cQ6yXO2GGd
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) March 2, 2025
John Cena now that he’s a heel: pic.twitter.com/ztE3fRHPLH
— Aaron (@VisionarySwerve) March 2, 2025
John Cena turning heel is legitimately the biggest heel turn since Hulk Hogan joined the NWO🤯 pic.twitter.com/L4aAEklBch
— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) March 2, 2025
Cena had a chance to address his actions in the post-event press conference. He went to the podium, took the microphone and dropped it on the table. He then walked out without saying a word.
For most of Cena’s career, he was the good guy in the ring. He built up a massive fan base with catchphrases like "Never Give Up" or "Rise Above Hate." He was the first to grant 300 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has the most wishes granted in the organization’s history.
Feb. 1, 2025, Indianapolis, IN: John Cena during the Men’s Royal Rumble match during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
But as Cena embarks on his final year in pro wrestling, he will play a role that not a lot of have seen – the heel. It will be a fresh start for fans who have only really seen Cena receive cheers from the crowd.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
