John Cena’s Heel Turn at Elimination Chamber: A Shocking Twist or a Fumbled Storyline

John Cena’s shocking heel turn at Elimination Chamber 2025 has been one of the most talked-about moments in WWE history. The 16-time World Champion, known for his legacy as a hero and role model, shocked the world by aligning himself with The Rock and Travis Scott, brutally attacking Cody Rhodes in a post-match ambush.

However, while the move initially set the wrestling world on fire, Vince Russo, a former WWE head writer, believes that WWE has already lost the momentum of this game-changing storyline. According to Russo, what should have been an electrifying and career-defining turn for Cena has already fizzled out in just two weeks, threatening to derail WWE’s Road to WrestleMania 41.

In this in-depth analysis, we will explore Cena’s heel turn, the backlash and praise from fans and critics, its impact on WWE’s WrestleMania plans, and whether or not the company can reignite the spark before it’s too late.

The Shocking Moment: Cena Turns on Cody Rhodes

At Elimination Chamber, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in the grueling match, securing his spot at WrestleMania 41. As he stood in the ring celebrating, John Cena made his way down the ramp, seemingly to congratulate the American Nightmare. Fans expected a classic Cena moment—perhaps a handshake, a motivational speech, or even a teaser for an upcoming match.

Instead, what followed was one of the most unexpected betrayals in WWE history. The Rock’s music hit, and he appeared alongside rapper Travis Scott, entering the ring as Cena smiled. Within moments, Cena clotheslined Cody, and the trio proceeded to brutally attack him, sending shockwaves through the WWE Universe.

The crowd, in pure disbelief, erupted in a mix of boos and stunned silence. Cena, once the ultimate face of WWE, stood tall next to The Rock and Scott, seemingly embracing his new villainous persona.

The post-match segment was instantly trending on social media, with fans debating whether this was the best move for Cena’s career or a desperate attempt by WWE to shake things up.

Vince Russo’s Take: Has WWE Already Ruined the Storyline?

Former WWE writer Vince Russo has been a controversial voice in wrestling analysis for years. While some of his opinions are divisive, his latest critique of Cena’s heel turn has resonated with many fans.

During an episode of BroDown Live, Russo argued that WWE has fumbled the momentum of Cena’s heel turn by failing to properly follow up on the shocking moment. He claimed that WWE had a golden opportunity to create an unpredictable, engaging storyline, but instead, they dropped the ball just two weeks in.

Russo’s Key Arguments:

1. Lack of a Clear Explanation: Cena’s turn was shocking, but WWE has yet to provide a strong narrative behind his actions. Why did he turn on Cody? Why did he side with The Rock and Travis Scott? Fans need more depth to stay invested.
2. Weak Follow-Up on SmackDown and Raw: Instead of dominating TV time with this massive heel turn, WWE barely capitalized on the buzz. Cena has appeared sparingly, and the segments involving him have not carried the intensity needed to keep the excitement alive.
3. Cody Rhodes’ Underwhelming Response: Rather than being furious and seeking revenge, Cody’s reaction has been oddly subdued, making him look passive in a storyline where he should be fighting for his legacy.
4. Travis Scott’s Presence Feels Forced: While The Rock’s involvement makes sense, many believe Travis Scott’s inclusion is awkward and unnecessary, leading some fans to question WWE’s booking choices.

Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions on Cena’s Heel Turn

The WWE Universe has been divided in their response to Cena’s new persona. While some applaud WWE’s bold decision, others believe it has been poorly executed.

The Positive Reactions:

• “This is the most interesting Cena has been in years!” – Many fans love the idea of a heel Cena, as it finally adds a new layer to his long career.
• “The Rock and Cena together as villains? WWE is shaking things up!” – The alliance between two of WWE’s biggest icons is undeniably exciting.
• “WrestleMania just got way more interesting.” – Fans eager for a fresh storyline believe this sets the stage for an unpredictable WrestleMania.

The Negative Reactions:

• “It feels forced and rushed.” – Some believe WWE turned Cena heel just for shock value without a proper long-term plan.
• “Where’s the explanation?” – Many feel WWE owes the fans a real reason for Cena’s sudden change in character.
• “Cody’s response has been weak.” – Critics argue that WWE needs to book Cody stronger to keep him from looking like a victim in this feud.

How This Affects the Road to WrestleMania 41

With WrestleMania 41 just weeks away, WWE needs to reignite the excitement surrounding Cena’s turn. Right now, the story lacks the depth and intensity needed to carry a main event-level feud.

Potential Storyline Fixes:

1. A Brutal Showdown Between Cena and Cody: Instead of passive promos, WWE should book a violent, personal rivalry. Cody should confront Cena, demanding answers and setting up a high-stakes match.
2. Cena Needs a Clear Motivation: Whether it’s jealousy, a deeper alliance with The Rock, or a personal grudge against Cody, Cena must give a compelling reason for his actions.
3. More TV Time for Cena and The Rock: WWE must ensure that Cena and The Rock appear regularly to build anticipation for WrestleMania.
4. Travis Scott’s Role Must Be Defined: WWE needs to clarify why Travis Scott is involved. Is he just a celebrity guest, or does he have a deeper reason for being part of this feud?
5. Surprise Twists Leading Up to WrestleMania: Adding unexpected betrayals or alliances could make the storyline feel fresh and unpredictable.

Will Cena’s Heel Turn Ultimately Succeed?

Despite some missteps in execution, Cena’s heel turn still has the potential to be a historic moment in WWE—but only if WWE course-corrects immediately.

If WWE fails to build proper tension, the moment will go down as just another shock for the sake of shock value. However, if they invest time and effort into shaping a compelling rivalry between Cena and Cody Rhodes, this could become one of the most memorable feuds of the modern era.

Final Thoughts

John Cena’s shocking betrayal of Cody Rhodes at Elimination Chamber was one of the most dramatic moments in WWE history. However, as Vince Russo pointed out, the lack of strong storytelling has dampened the momentum of what should be a blockbuster feud leading to WrestleMania 41.

If WWE wants to capitalize on Cena’s turn, they must act fast, deliver an engaging storyline, and ensure that Cody Rhodes emerges as a strong, credible challenger.

Will WWE fix these issues in time, or will this storyline go down as a missed opportunity? With WrestleMania 41 around the corner, we won’t have to wait long to find out.