John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber 2025 was a seismic event in WWE history. Fans likened the moment to Hulk Hogan’s legendary Hulkamania shift in 1996. After embodying positivity and heroism for over two decades, Cena suddenly dropped his clean-cut persona and embraced the dark side. Aligning with The Rock and Travis Scott, he shocked the wrestling world by betraying Cody Rhodes—fueling speculation around his final run before retirement.
Tommy Dreamer’s Take – The Heel Turn Isn’t Quite There Yet
At Busted Open Radio, WWE veteran Tommy Dreamer shared a bold opinion: Cena’s heel turn isn’t delivering the expected villain energy. According to Dreamer, the audience is still cheering Cena despite his villainous actions. He explained, “I still don’t think the heel turn has worked because they just cheer for him… It’s you, the fan, that continues to cheer for him”. Dreamer added that if newcomers like Austin Theory or Grayson Waller did the same antics, they’d be hated, not idolized, simply because they’re not Cena.
Dreamer pinpointed Cena’s inconsistent heel game—even off-screen. He suggested Cena maintain the persona everywhere: in everyday life, social media, and public appearances. Dreamer argued Cena shouldn’t appear as Mr. Uplifting, but fully embrace a darker, edgy identity.
Obstacles to Cena’s Heel Credibility
Cena’s powerful legacy is a double-edged sword. His sheen of heroism and long-standing fanbase make it hard for fans to hate him. This emotional tug-of-war is evident in how fans respond: cheering even when he vows to “ruin wrestling” and distorts CM Punk’s infamous pipebomb promo. Cena’s heel turn feels more like a dramatic twist than a betrayal—a narrative wrinkle rather than pure villainy.
Moreover, modern wrestling fans are savvy; they know WWE storylines are scripted. So cheering Cena, even when he’s the antagonist, is less about confusing alignment and more about celebrating a legend one last time.
What Could Make Cena the Heel He Wants to Be?
Dreamer offered actionable advice:
-
Drop the heroic persona completely—no upbeat social media, no grocery-store autographs.
-
Maintain character 24/7, keeping fans guessing and uncomfortable.
-
Shift the tone in public appearances: snub autographs, walk on with an attitude, ditch the friendly persona.
It’s about commitment—going full heel, every hour of the day.
Comparing Heel vs. Face Cena
| Aspect | Face Cena | Heel Cena (Now) | Heel Cena (Dreamer’s Vision) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Attitude | Inspiring, upbeat | Smug, aggressive | Ruthlessly arrogant, cold, provoking |
| Public Persona | Friendly, positive | Still cheerful, optimistic | Arrogant and condescending in everyday life |
| Fan Engagement | Crowd cheers, throws merchandise | Mixed reactions, some boos | Boos, hostility, tension |
| Social Media | Uplifting posts, positivity | Some meanness, but still hopeful | Cold, ego-driven, unapologetically heelish |
Conclusion
John Cena’s heel turn has successfully sparked conversation and broken expectations in WWE. Despite the shock of betrayal, Tommy Dreamer’s critiques remind us that a real heel requires more than shocking wrestling TV moments—it demands consistency, commitment, and character off the stage. Can Cena transform fully into the sophisticated, intimidating villain Dreamer imagines? Only time—and his next appearances—will tell.