After two long decades, WWE has finally made the bold move of turning John Cena heel. This historic transition has captivated fans, particularly as they witness the former 16-time World Champion thrive in this new role. As Cena dons the villainous persona, many are left pondering why it took WWE so long to execute this transformation.
In a recent episode of the B4 the Bell podcast, renowned WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam sheds light on this delay. Van Dam reminisced about an encounter with Cena during a WWE Live Event many years ago, offering insights into the reasons behind WWE’s hesitance to shift Cena’s character from a fan-favorite to a heel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_5_7NIHQmwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_5_7NIHQmw
The primary reason behind WWE’s prolonged wait to turn John Cena heel stems from his extraordinary ability to gain the crowd’s favor, even in the most challenging arenas.
Rob Van Dam Highlights Why John Cena Was WWE’s Ideal Babyface
Master of Winning Over the Crowd
During the podcast, Chris Morrow, the host, asked Rob Van Dam about the crowd reactions he experienced, specifically comparing them to his WWE Championship match with John Cena at ECW One Night Stand in 2006. Van Dam recalled another significant moment from the same year at a live event in Wales, where the crowd fervently booed Cena – marking it as the first instance he witnessed a WWE audience turning on Cena.
Despite this initial negativity, John Cena quickly transformed that disdain into support. Van Dam recounted how, in a stunning display of showmanship, Cena managed to win the crowd back within minutes. According to RVD, all Cena had to do was grab a microphone, acknowledge the booing, and encourage the audience to cheer for him, which they did with enthusiasm.
The Secret to Cena’s Babyface Success in Hostile Arenas
John Cena’s Enduring Ability to Win Over Fans
John Cena on getting booed and “f*** you Cena” chants before WM 22: “I remember turning to Vince and I’m like what am I supposed to do?” pic.twitter.com/T8YK86iHVu https://t.co/j1cOGEpFpM — Vick (@Vick_8122) March 26, 2025
This was just one of the many instances where John Cena endeared himself to the WWE Universe. A noteworthy moment is highlighted in the “Enter John Cena” episode of WWE’s docuseries, Ruthless Aggression, available on Peacock. Prior to WrestleMania 22, where Cena would headline for the first time, he found himself facing an increasingly supportive Triple H while his own fanbase was dwindling. This era marked the beginning of significant backlash against him.
At the WWE Hall of Fame event, where Cena was to induct NFL great William “The Refrigerator” Perry, he experienced an avalanche of boos as soon as his entrance music played. Unsure of how to handle this new reaction, he turned to Vince McMahon for advice. Vince simply told Cena to “Just go out and smile.” When Cena did just that, he not only won the crowd over with his charisma but also acknowledged their energy, allowing the earlier boos to shift to cheers.
Cena’s adeptness at reading the audience played a crucial role in his ability to maintain his status as a beloved figure, even in arenas where he faced hostility. Moments like these underscore why WWE hesitated for so long to embrace a heel turn for Cena, fearing a loss of the magic he brought to the ring.
WWE’s Reluctance to Turn Cena Heel Stemmed from His Immense Popularity
For Two Decades, WWE Crowds Couldn’t Resist John Cena
In essence, John Cena excelled at being a good guy for a remarkable duration of his career. With a captivating smile and an optimistic outlook, he became a beacon of hope for countless Make-A-Wish children. Cena’s resilience allowed him to absorb boos while skillfully switching audience sentiment with heartfelt speeches and charisma that few can replicate. This rare talent is part of what made him a standout babyface for almost twenty years, explaining why WWE took so long to explore a heel turn.
While it’s easy to think WWE should have transitioned Cena sooner, doing so would have deprived fans of witnessing the unique spectacle that was John Cena as a babyface. His extraordinary ability to connect with crowds holds a rarity in any profession. Ultimately, WWE capitalized on Cena’s skills as the quintessential babyface and delivered unforgettable moments, as he remains an iconic figure in wrestling history now portraying a new side as WWE’s premier heel.
Source: B4 the Bell on YouTube