WWE Raw: Brussels explodes as John Cena makes his first appearance as a heel
John Cena has been one of wrestling's most beloved babyfaces for more than two decades now. Ever since he did away with his "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona in 2003, he has never looked back. He has never turned heel, always playing the role of the good guy, even helping arguably the biggest star in WWE at the moment, Cody Rhodes, defeat Roman Reigns for the Universal title at WrestleMania XL.
However, Cena's run as a face came to an end recently, when he aligned himself with The Rock and turned against his former ally Rhodes.
SPEECHLESS. 💔JOHN CENA just viciously TURNED on CODY RHODES at #WWEChamber! pic.twitter.com/jSyaCud7Wz
— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2025
Cena had been such a big face that the turn came as a complete shock to everyone watching. Furthermore, Cena had claimed that 2025 would be his final year with WWE, so nobody was expecting such a massive shift for his character. Thusly, Cena's first entrance as a heel on WWE Raw March 17 was met with a flurry of boos as the crowd in Brussels, Belgium erupted upon hearing his iconic "The Time is Now" theme song.
WWE News: Release date, episodes for WWE show with Stephanie McMahon
In a moment, the crowd went from dead silent to absolutely bananas at the sound of Cena's music.
🚨 JOHN CENA HAS ARRIVED 🚨THIS IS JOHN CENA'S FIRST EVER RAW APPEARANCE AS A HEEL 🤯THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE 😭#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/d9GMUEibn3
— TribaI Wrestling (@TribalMegastar) March 17, 2025
Cena took the mic shortly after his entrance, but the crowd still needed several minutes to calm down before Cena could speak. Every time he'd try to start his segment, he was met with a flurry of boos.
Once Cena finally got going, he took aim at the fans, claiming that he'd been a puppet his entire career, only ever serving to entertain his fans, while none of them ever gave back to him.
"No matter what I do, it's never enough and you should all be ashamed of yourself. All you ever do is take," Cena said. "Not one of you sons of (expletive) asked how I feel."
Looks like John Cena has finally EMBRACED THE HATE!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/ftOu4r8EM1
— WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2025
Even Cena's supporters weren't safe. Cena claimed they were just as bad as the people booing him, because when he started his farewell tour, he wanted to give back to the fans, but nobody bothered to give him the respect or attention he thought he deserved.
"I don't care about you. You don't matter to me," said Cena.
After interrupting Cena's rant, Rhodes gave Cena an opportunity to explain himself, but Cena's reasoning wasn't very persuasive. Fans were strongly in support of Cody Rhodes.
Rhodes finished the segment by challenging Cena to find himself, claiming that if this version of Cena challenged him at WrestleMania, Rhodes would make him "retire early." Rhodes then called Cena a "whiny (expletive)," and walked off stage while Cena looked on.
Notice how WWE had John Cena say everything he needed to say before Cody Rhodes came out.And then when they were face to face he didn't say anything.WWE ALREADY PROTECTING CODY FROM GETTING COOKED BY CENA 😭#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/0z8zxb39sr
— TribaI Wrestling (@TribalMegastar) March 17, 2025
WrestleMania 41 is set for Saturday, April 19 - Sunday, April 20. The two-night event will take place at Allegiant Stadium near Las Vegas, Nevada.
WrestleMania 41 match card: Top title matches set for WWE's grand event next month
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WATCH: John Cena heel entrance ignites WWE Raw
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