At the Elimination Chamber event on March 1, 2025, John Cena stunned the WWE Universe by executing a heel turn, aligning with The Rock and attacking Cody Rhodes. This unexpected move has elicited a spectrum of reactions from fellow WWE Superstars.
Jey Uso expressed his disappointment, stating: “I was in my feels about it, just like everybody else. But you gave up, man. You went back on your word, Uce. You don’t ever do that.”
Bianca Belair shared her surprise and dismay: “Why? Why? We were rooting for you. If anybody was rooting for you, it was me.”
Conversely, some superstars were less surprised. Grayson Waller remarked: “I thought it was awesome—good for John. Finally, after all this time, we got to see the real John Cena. He just sold his soul for the championship. Good for you, John. You’re the man.”
Karrion Kross commented on Cena’s motivations: “Everyone now can see what we’ve known backstage for a long, long time. He’s all about the money!”
Dominik Mysterio reflected on his long-standing acquaintance with Cena: “I’ve known John Cena since I was a kid. Growing up with a deadbeat and being around various deadbeats—he’s shown his true colors.”
Austin Theory expressed his shock and recounted past interactions involving The Rock: “I’m shocked. ‘Never give up’—gave up. The Rock still owes me a pair of shoes, Yeezies to be exact. He came back because of me. I embarrassed his friend, Pat McAfee, and then he wanted to show up. Then he ambushed me, laid me out, and threw my shoe into the crowd. Now he and Cena run together. I don’t even know what to say.”
Akira Tozawa and Otis also shared their reactions, with Tozawa frowning and saying, “His face, literally… Give up. I can see you now,” and Otis simply stating, “Not cool, JC.”
Additionally, Logan Paul claimed to have predicted Cena’s heel turn, referencing past interactions that led him to anticipate such a move.
This development has sent shockwaves through the WWE community, with fans and superstars alike contemplating the implications for upcoming events, particularly WrestleMania 41.