The WWE universe is no stranger to polarizing decisions, and John Cena’s heel turn was certainly one of them. As the 16-time world champion embarked on a journey to explore the darker side of his character, fans were left to ponder whether the move was a stroke of genius or a misguided attempt to reignite his career.
In a recent interview, WWE legend ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin shared his opinions on Cena’s heel run, and his assessment might surprise some fans. When asked about the experience, Austin candidly stated, “It was okay.” Those three words might not exactly be music to the ears of Cena enthusiasts, but Austin’s reasoning sheds some light on his perspective.
According to Austin, his fondness for Cena as a babyface is still intact. The WWE Hall of Famer has always been a huge fan of Cena’s work, praising his ability to connect with the audience and his unwavering dedication to the sport. However, when it comes to his heel run, Austin believes that it didn’t quite live up to the hype.
“I think John Cena’s biggest issue as a heel is that he’s just too darn likable,” Austin explained. “People love the guy, and it’s hard to hate someone who’s always been seen as a hero. Don’t get me wrong, he tried his best, but it was like trying to put lipstick on a pig – it just didn’t work.”
Austin’s comments are not without merit. Cena’s heel turn was met with a lukewarm reception from fans, many of whom struggled to buy into his new character. The fact that he was still seen as a likable, heroic figure made it challenging for him to convincingly embody the role of a heel.
One aspect that might have contributed to the lack of success was the over-reliance on familiar tropes and mannerisms. Cena’s heel character felt like a watered-down version of his babyface persona, rather than a bold, innovative take on the character. This might have led to a sense of fatigue among fans, who have grown accustomed to seeing Cena play the hero.
Austin’s assessment of Cena’s heel run is not entirely negative, however. He acknowledges that the former champion did have some standout moments, particularly during his feud with The Rock at WrestleMania 29. “That was a great match, and Rock’s promo at the end was fantastic,” Austin recalled. “It was like they were speaking directly to the audience, and it felt real.”
The question remains, however, whether Cena’s heel run was a necessary evil or a misguided attempt to reignite his career. Some argue that it was a bold move, one that showcased Cena’s willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of his character. Others see it as a desperate attempt to cling to relevance in an ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling.
According to a WWE insider, Cena’s heel run was indeed part of a larger plan to shake up his character and explore new avenues of storytelling. “John Cena was looking to break free from the mold of being the ‘face’ of the company,” the source revealed. “He wanted to challenge himself and see if he could tap into a different side of his personality. It wasn’t just about being a heel – it was about being a more complex, nuanced character.”
While Austin’s comments might be seen as lukewarm, it’s clear that he has a deep respect for Cena as a performer and a person. The two have a long-standing friendship, and Austin has often spoken about the importance of having a strong support system in the WWE.
As for Cena’s future in the WWE, only time will tell. One thing is certain, however – the company will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of professional wrestling. Whether Cena will be at the forefront of that evolution remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Austin’s comments serve as a reminder that even the most beloved WWE superstars can fall victim to the risks and challenges of the business. As the Texas Rattlesnake himself once said, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.” For John Cena, that might mean embracing a new chapter in his career, one that sees him pushing the boundaries of his character and exploring uncharted territory.
As the WWE universe continues to evolve, one thing remains certain – the legacy of John Cena will endure, regardless of whether he’s a hero or a villain.