In a recent appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin opened up about his thoughts on John Cena’s ill-fated turn to a heel character. The ‘Texas Rattlesnake’ shared his perspective on the matter, drawing from his own experiences as a heel in the early 2000s.
Austin’s Heel Turn: A Cautionary Tale
Austin’s transition to a heel in 2001 was met with a lukewarm reception from fans, who had fallen in love with his anti-authority, beer-bashing persona as ‘Stone Cold.’ The WWE Hall of Famer admitted that the change didn’t quite work out as planned.
“When I turned heel, it was more of a calculated move to shake things up, but in hindsight, it didn’t sit well with the fans,” Austin explained. “We were trying to create a new dynamic, but it ended up feeling forced. I think it’s safe to say that I should have stuck with what worked.”
Cena’s Heel Run: A Missed Opportunity?
John Cena’s turn to a heel in 2012 was seen as a bold move by the WWE, but it ultimately failed to gain significant traction. Austin believes that Cena, who had been a beloved babyface for years, should have remained in his comfort zone.
“I think John Cena is an incredible talent, and his work as a babyface is some of the best stuff he’s ever done. When he turned heel, it felt like he was trying to force something that wasn’t natural for him,” Austin said. “John’s got a certain charm that works for the good guy role, and I think he should have stuck with it. The crowd responds to him in a way that’s hard to replicate as a heel.”
WWE’s Heel Turn Conundrum
The WWE has a long history of experimenting with heel turns, with varying degrees of success. Austin’s comments highlight the challenges that come with attempting to transition a beloved character to the opposite side of the fence.
“It’s tough to take someone who’s been a babyface for so long and make them into a heel without it feeling forced,” Austin said. “The fans have a certain expectation of who that character is, and when you try to change that, it can be difficult to get over. I think that’s what happened with John Cena’s heel run – it just didn’t feel genuine.”
Backstage Insight: What Went Wrong?
According to a WWE insider, the decision to turn Cena heel was a collaborative effort between WWE creative and Cena himself. However, it appears that the wheels were in motion before everyone was on the same page.
“John Cena was interested in exploring the heel character, but there were some concerns within WWE creative about how it would play out,” the source revealed. “In hindsight, it’s clear that it wasn’t the right move for him. He’s a much more effective babyface, and that’s where he should have stayed.”
The Verdict: A Cautionary Tale for WWE Creative
Austin’s comments serve as a warning to WWE creative: stick with what works, and don’t try to force a character into a mold that doesn’t fit. The ‘Texas Rattlesnake’ has spoken, and his words carry weight with fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
“I think the WWE should take note of what happened with John Cena’s heel run and be more careful in the future,” Austin said. “The fans are the ones who drive the storylines, and when you try to force something that doesn’t feel natural, it can backfire in a big way. I just hope that in the future, the WWE will take a step back and think about what’s best for the characters and the fans, rather than trying to force something that doesn’t work.”