John Cena’s heel turn is considered one of the most polarizing decisions in recent WWE history. As Cena embarks on his farewell journey, he finds himself grappling with the implications of this controversial move, particularly in light of outside influences like The Rock’s polarizing absence at pivotal moments. Despite the challenges, both Cena and WWE have a compelling narrative to unfold, with hints that Cena may be experiencing regret over his choice to embrace the darker side of his persona.
At the highly anticipated Backlash 2025 event, Cena faced his long-time adversary, Randy Orton, in what many fans regarded as a poignant showdown. For those who have followed their rivalry over the past decade, the match was steeped in nostalgia and emotion. The conclusion, tinged with a sense of bitterness, mirrored the controversial finish of Cena’s WrestleMania 41 clash against Cody Rhodes, in which Cena exploited unfair tactics to retain his title. However, it was Cena’s demeanor post-match that raised eyebrows and suggested a deeper narrative.
Signs of Regret: John Cena’s Reflection
A Narrative Revealed through Nonverbal Cues
Bro John Cena is second guessing his decision to turn heel. This is why I love professional wrestling. This is why I’m a WWE Lifer. This is cinema.#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/VpEn8bbJxK — ~” ίJason G from the S.A.T.” (@lifer_wwe) May 11, 2025
While Cena’s final match against Orton may not have reached the heights of their previous encounters, it was nevertheless a testament to their remarkable chemistry and storytelling ability cultivated over two decades. The match featured several signature moves and finisher displays, including memorable RKOs. Ultimately, Cena’s victory, facilitated by R-Truth’s interference and a blow with the championship belt, felt overshadowed by the emotional weight captured in Cena’s expression as he exited the ring.
Moments later, Cena appeared visibly affected, struggling to contain his emotions as the crowd chanted, “Thank you, Cena!”As he contemplated the championship belt in his hands, it became evident that he was questioning the worth of his deceit-driven victory. His hesitant departure from the arena ended with a final glance back, a lingering farewell underscored by the fans’ heartfelt applause.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bkkEYzIY2Yhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bkkEYzIY2Y
For Cena, the mix of emotions was entirely understandable. Cheating to win the title against Cody Rhodes, whom he views as an opportunist, contrasted sharply with his long-standing rivalry with Orton. This match embodied a significant chapter in his career—a narrative that deserved a more noble resolution than what transpired. As he now reflects on the implications of his heel persona, especially as he grapples with the betrayal of his loyal fanbase, the question looms large: was the journey worth the price?
WWE Faces Backlash Over Cena’s Heel Turn
An Intriguing Story Complicated by External Factors
Speculation abounds regarding Cena’s unexpected heel turn. While some fans have long desired to see this shift, many question whether it was appropriate to implement such a drastic change during his retirement tour. Would it have been more impactful to leave it as an enticing “what if?”rumor? There are claims that The Rock advocated for a Cody heel turn, and when that narrative failed to materialize, WWE shifted its focus toward Cena—potentially explaining The Rock’s sudden withdrawal from the storyline after the Elimination Chamber.
Cena has wholeheartedly committed to his new role, eschewing fan-pleasing gear, music, or favorable match endings. Nonetheless, legions of fans continue to cheer for him, fully aware that his time in a WWE ring is drawing to a close. Cena’s swan song could have been marked by a series of memorable matches, reliving classic rivalries while mentoring the next generation of wrestlers. Instead, it seems fans may be left to witness a series of unsatisfying conclusions involving nutshots and championship belt swings, a stark departure from the narrative they envisioned.
It is plausible that WWE initially intended for Cena’s heel turn to serve as a catalyst for a redemption arc before concluding his wrestling career. However, current circumstances may have prompted a hasty adjustment to that storyline. Regardless of the motivations behind the scenes, Cena’s visible remorse at the end of his Backlash bout with Orton conveyed a narrative that resonates deeply with fans—after all, this emotional depth is the essence of professional wrestling.
Source: @lifer_wwe (X)