John Cena Shocks WWE Universe with Heel Turn at Elimination Chamber

John Cena stunned WWE fans at the Elimination Chamber event in Toronto on Saturday night when he turned on Cody Rhodes, signaling a major shift in his wrestling career. The 16-time world champion, who has been the face of WWE for over two decades, shocked the audience by aligning himself with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and rapper Travis Scott in an attack on Rhodes.

The unexpected moment unfolded after Cena won the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, forcing CM Punk to pass out in his STF submission hold. Following the victory, Rhodes came to the ring to congratulate Cena, but the situation took a turn when The Rock interrupted and addressed Rhodes. The Rock asked if Rhodes would become “his champion” and “sell his soul.” Rhodes refused, bluntly telling The Rock to “go f— yourself.”

SPEECHLESS. 💔

JOHN CENA just viciously TURNED on CODY RHODES at #WWEChamber! pic.twitter.com/jSyaCud7Wz

— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2025

As the crowd in Toronto erupted, Cena initially embraced Rhodes, appearing to celebrate the moment. However, he locked eyes with The Rock, who signaled him to attack. Without hesitation, Cena delivered a low blow to Rhodes, shocking the WWE Universe. The Rock and Travis Scott stood by as Cena continued the beatdown, leaving fans at the Rogers Centre and on social media in disbelief.

IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED.#WWEChamber pic.twitter.com/IrSkzn4j39

— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2025

The audience, who had supported Cena throughout his career, turned on him instantly, booing him as he attacked Rhodes. The moment drew comparisons to Hulk Hogan’s infamous heel turn in 1996.

Cena had an opportunity to address his actions at the post-event press conference but chose to remain silent. He entered the room, picked up the microphone, and dropped it on the table before walking out, refusing to take questions.

Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, later commented on the situation. “When you get to a place in your career where you know you undoubtedly have months left… it puts you in a different perspective… you can double down and say, ‘screw it, I want to be challenged right to the last moment,’” he said.

Within the hour, John Cena had two different expressions lol pic.twitter.com/cQ6yXO2GGd

— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) March 2, 2025

The Rock also spoke about the moment, stating, “I felt like tonight stood by all of that, the iconic angles.”

Cena, known for his “Never Give Up” and “Rise Above Hate” mottos, has been a fan-favorite for years. He has granted more Make-A-Wish Foundation wishes than anyone in history and has been seen as a hero in WWE. His heel turn signals a major change as he embarks on the final stretch of his wrestling career.

This development has set up an intense road to WrestleMania 41, where Cena and Rhodes are expected to face off in one of the most highly anticipated matches in WWE history.