John Cena turns face ahead of SummerSlam 2025, but there's something fishy about it
Here's what John Cena said on SmackDown tonight
John Cena came face-to-face with Cody Rhodes for the final time before SummerSlam 2025 on the latest episode of SmackDown. He cut a heartfelt promo in which he reflected on turning heel at Elimination Chamber and implied that he regretted the decision. He then took a shot at The Rock, the in-storyline mastermind behind the heel turn, and Travis Scott for 'abandoning' him after he embraced the dark side.
'The people that were supposed to be on my team left, and they left me alone trying to pretend to be something I'm not,' he said.
Travis Scott was by The Rock's side when Cena assaulted Cody Rhodes at Elimination Chamber. He also interfered in the main event of WrestleMania 41, helping 'The Franchise Player ' win the Undisputed title from 'QB1'.
The 'face turn' could be just another trick on heel Cena's part
On paper, Cena's face turn seems to be the natural way to go as he will be retiring from in-ring competition in December. However, tonight's segment may not have truly marked the re-emergence of 'face Cena'. The star turned heel at Elimination Chamber, a Premium Live Event, after Cody Rhodes and The Rock's segment. Storyline wise, it had some buildup and (at least momentarily) shook the foundation of the WWE. By contrast, the face turn took place on SmackDown, a weekly show.
Moreover, there was limited (if any) buildup. In fact, Cena displayed full heel characteristics at Night of Champions when he pinned an weakened CM Punk moments after he had been assaulted by Seth Rollins. As such, storyline-wise, it makes little sense. Therefore, there is a possibility of the face turn being a ruse. If this is indeed the case, Cena may use under-handed tactics in his bid to beat Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025.
The event will be held on August 2 and August 3 at Met Life Stadium. Cena and Thodes will be closing out the second night. Gunther and Punk, on the other hand, will be main-eventing the first. SummerSlam 2025 will also see the likes of Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, Jacob Fatu, and The Motor City Machine Guns in action.
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