Exclusive: John Cena's heel run feels 'forced' and 'fake', says WWE expert Dave Meltzer
Roktim Rajpal | Jul 11, 2025, 17:07 IST
( Image credit : Indiatimes )
Dave Meltzer, the founder of Wrestling Observer News Letter, feels that John Cena’s run as a heel has not gone too well so far. He feels fans want to cheer for him, which has further diluted its impact. .
John Cena, who is set to retire at the end of the year, is halfway through his ‘farewell tour. And, things have been anything but predictable. ‘The Last Real Champion’ turned heel for the first time in over 20 years at Elimination Chamber 2025 in a moment that shocked the world.
However, many in pro wrestling circles are not happy with the way the run has shaped up so far. One of them is veteran journalist Dave Meltzer. Speaking to Indiatimes, the veteran analyst said that the heel run hasn’t made the desired impact as it feels ‘forced’.
John Cena turned heel at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event when he assaulted Cody Rhodes on The Rock’s orders. This changed the very landscape of the WWE and garnered plenty of mainstream attention. However, Dave Meltzer– the founder of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter– is not too happy about the way things have unfolded since.
“Cena is a big draw no matter what role he plays. To me, the heel thing feels forced and fake. It shocked people and for two weeks made a big difference in viewership. I didn't think the build for Mania was the best, but Mania is always going to be a success,” he said
Cena missed the Raw after Elimination Chamber before eventually appearing on the Red Brand during the European tour ahead of WrestleMania 41. He then spewed venom on the audience and said that fans have been ‘terrible’ to him. He went on to capture the Undisputed Championship from Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 with help from Travis Scott. The match received negative reviews, with critics panning the finish.
Cena beat Randy Orton at Backlash to retain the title. He then beat CM Punk at Night of Champions in his second title defence. He was cheered during these bouts despite resorting to trademark heel tactics.
“Cena vs. Orton at Backlash didn't have as much interest as most WWE shows. Cena vs. Punk did. I don't think it's worked out well. People want to cheer him and do,” added Meltzer.
The Rock’s absence from WWE programming during this run too has not worked in its favour as ‘The Final Boss’ was the catalyst behind Cena embracing the dark side.
Cena is set to defend the title against Rhodes at SummarSlam. ‘QB1’ earned the right to face the veteran when he beat Randy Orton in the finals of the King of The Ring tournament at Night of Champions. He plans to wrestle his final match sometime in December. However, there is no clarity on the identity of his last opponent.
However, many in pro wrestling circles are not happy with the way the run has shaped up so far. One of them is veteran journalist Dave Meltzer. Speaking to Indiatimes, the veteran analyst said that the heel run hasn’t made the desired impact as it feels ‘forced’.
Dave Meltzer slams John Cena’s heel run
John Cena turned heel at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event when he assaulted Cody Rhodes on The Rock’s orders. This changed the very landscape of the WWE and garnered plenty of mainstream attention. However, Dave Meltzer– the founder of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter– is not too happy about the way things have unfolded since.
“Cena is a big draw no matter what role he plays. To me, the heel thing feels forced and fake. It shocked people and for two weeks made a big difference in viewership. I didn't think the build for Mania was the best, but Mania is always going to be a success,” he said
dave-6870f61751b03
( Image credit : Dave Meltzer. | Credit: X/@davemeltzerWON )
Cena missed the Raw after Elimination Chamber before eventually appearing on the Red Brand during the European tour ahead of WrestleMania 41. He then spewed venom on the audience and said that fans have been ‘terrible’ to him. He went on to capture the Undisputed Championship from Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 with help from Travis Scott. The match received negative reviews, with critics panning the finish.
Cena beat Randy Orton at Backlash to retain the title. He then beat CM Punk at Night of Champions in his second title defence. He was cheered during these bouts despite resorting to trademark heel tactics.
“Cena vs. Orton at Backlash didn't have as much interest as most WWE shows. Cena vs. Punk did. I don't think it's worked out well. People want to cheer him and do,” added Meltzer.
The Rock’s absence from WWE programming during this run too has not worked in its favour as ‘The Final Boss’ was the catalyst behind Cena embracing the dark side.
What’s next for John Cena?
Cena is set to defend the title against Rhodes at SummarSlam. ‘QB1’ earned the right to face the veteran when he beat Randy Orton in the finals of the King of The Ring tournament at Night of Champions. He plans to wrestle his final match sometime in December. However, there is no clarity on the identity of his last opponent.
Today Kolkata FF result, 23 July 2025: Kolkata Fatafat result winning numbers
By Shivani Kumari
Shillong Teer Result Today, July 23, 2025: Check Shillong, Khanapara, and Juwai
By Shivani Kumari
ENG vs IND Dream11 prediction, 4th Test match: WTC 2025, playing XI, pitch
By Shivani Kumari
Did SEVENTEEN's Hoshi shade BTS? Fans clash over his Insta like
By Karen Noronha
A look at Black Sabbath singer's car collection
By Sneha Kumari
Who was Ozzy Osbourne? All about the controversial rock icon
By Iraa Paul
Ozzy Osbourne once predicted fans’ reactions to his death
By Iraa Paul
