John Cena made his long-awaited return to WWE television this week during Monday Night Raw in Brussels, Belgium — but this wasn’t the Cena fans have known and loved for more than two decades. After weeks of anticipation following his shocking heel turn at Elimination Chamber, Cena finally appeared on WWE programming with a newfound attitude that has the wrestling world buzzing. But his reception wasn’t exactly what he might have hoped.
Cena, who has spent most of his career as WWE’s quintessential “good guy” or babyface, was met with boos from the crowd in response to his heel turn as he entered the arena. After waiting for the dueling chants of “Let’s go Cena” vs. “Cena sucks” to die down, the actor addressed his longtime fans directly.
“For 25 years, I have been the victim of an abusive relationship,” Cena began, clearly fed up with the constant barrage of boos and criticism. “All I did was work hard and win,” Cena said. “And what did I get for it? I got hate. It was never enough for you. I tried to retire with one final run, but you ruined it. You never stop asking, ‘What do we get?’ Not one of you sons of bitches ever asked me how I feel.”
John Cena. WWE
Cena made it clear that he’s done trying to please the WWE Universe. He claimed that he’s “breaking up” with every single fan, whether they like him or not. “I don’t need you,” Cena declared. “I don’t care about you, and you don’t matter to me.” It was an unprecedented moment in WWE history, as Cena — once the epitome of hope, courage, and perseverance — turned his back on fans who have cheered him (and ridiculed him) for years.
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After Cena’s explosive rant, the WWE Champion’s music hit, and the crowd’s energy immediately shifted. Cody Rhodes, who has been eagerly anticipating a confrontation with Cena, entered the ring. The crowd greeted him with the same enthusiasm that had been reserved for Cena, but Rhodes wasn’t about to let Cena off that easily.
Rhodes acknowledged Cena’s frustrations but made it clear that the Cena he was hoping to face at WrestleMania 41 wasn’t the man standing in front of him now. “They’ve given you their worst, but they’ve also given you their best for 25 years,” Rhodes said. “They did that because you were special. You could take it, you could carry it. But who are you now? This whiny bitch?”
It’s clear that WWE is building to a major showdown at WrestleMania 41 between Cena and Rhodes, but with the unexpected heel turn, it’s anyone’s guess what direction their feud will take. Cena’s transformation from the beloved face of WWE to a bitter antagonist has created a compelling narrative, and the buildup to WrestleMania is guaranteed to be full of drama, emotion, and personal stakes.
Cena and Rhodes will face off next month in Las Vegas at WrestleMania 41, which kicks off April 19.
