The year 2025 was filled with shocking moments in the world of professional wrestling, but one storyline stands out as a monumental disappointment, according to a wrestling legend. Tommy Dreamer, a veteran of ECW and WWE, has expressed his thoughts on the highly anticipated heel turn of one of the greatest superstars of all time – John Cena.
A Missed Opportunity?
For years, fans and insiders alike speculated about a possible turn for John Cena, and finally, in 2025, it seemed like that moment had arrived. However, according to Dreamer, the execution fell flat, and the storyline didn’t live up to expectations.
“I think one of the biggest misses of the year was John Cena’s heel turn,” Dreamer said in an exclusive interview. “It’s not that I didn’t think it was a great idea – I did, on paper. But when it came down to it, the execution just didn’t feel right. It felt rushed, and it didn’t give the fans a chance to fully invest in the character.”
Dreamer’s words echo the sentiments of many fans who felt that the heel turn, which was heavily promoted, ultimately failed to deliver. The lack of build-up and the hasty transition from beloved hero to despicable villain left many questioning the logic behind the decision.
A Misfire in the Making
Sources close to the inner workings of WWE have revealed that the original plan for John Cena’s heel turn was to have him play a more nuanced, complex character, one that would explore the darker aspects of his personality. However, as the storyline progressed, it became clear that this vision was not being realized.
According to a WWE insider, the creative team was under pressure to deliver a major storyline that would generate buzz and attract new viewers. As a result, the heel turn was rushed into production, with little attention paid to the character development and build-up that would have made the transition feel organic.
“The problem was that they were trying to check too many boxes at once,” the insider said. “They wanted to make a big statement with John Cena’s heel turn, but in doing so, they sacrificed the very thing that made it special in the first place – the character’s depth and nuance.”
A Legacy in Peril?
The failure of John Cena’s heel turn has left many wondering whether it will have long-term consequences for the WWE legend’s career. While Cena remains one of the most bankable stars in the industry, his legacy is at risk of being tarnished by this misfire.
Dreamer believes that the impact of the heel turn will be felt for years to come, potentially affecting Cena’s ability to bounce back from this setback.
“It’s not just about John Cena’s career – it’s about the legacy of the WWE itself,” Dreamer said. “When you have a superstar of his caliber, who has given so much to the company, it’s a shame to see him be a part of something that doesn’t live up to expectations. It’s a missed opportunity, not just for John Cena, but for the WWE as a whole.”
A Lesson Learned?
As the wrestling world continues to grapple with the aftermath of John Cena’s heel turn, one thing is clear – the WWE has a lot to learn from this experience. The company’s failure to execute a major storyline has left many fans feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the product.
Dreamer believes that the WWE would be wise to take a step back and re-evaluate their creative approach, focusing on character development and build-up rather than trying to force a major storyline into production.
“The WWE needs to remember that wrestling is a business built on trust and relationships,” Dreamer said. “When you break that trust, it can be hard to get back. I hope they take this as a lesson and use it to grow and improve, because that’s what the WWE needs right now – a new direction and a renewed focus on the fans.”
In the end, the failure of John Cena’s heel turn serves as a sobering reminder of the WWE’s vulnerabilities and the importance of getting it right. As the company continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, one thing is certain – the stakes have never been higher, and the pressure to deliver has never been greater.