Hulk Hogan’s heel turn in WCW remains one of the most significant moments in professional wrestling history, credited by many fans with igniting the industry’s second major boom. When John Cena turned heel earlier this year, comparisons to Hogan’s turn were inevitable. However, in a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ric Flair highlighted a key difference between Cena’s and Hogan’s heel turns, reflecting on the legacy of his late friend. Flair described Cena as a "Ricky Steamboat" type—talented and respected but not fitting the classic heel mold like Hogan did. He acknowledged Cena’s greatness but emphasized that Hogan’s ability to become a true heel came from years of battling for his spot in the wrestling world. Flair noted that Cena’s approach involved engaging with fans more personally outside the scripted storylines, distinguishing his heel persona from Hogan’s.
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Fan Take: This insight from Ric Flair provides a fascinating perspective for WWE fans, underscoring the evolving nature of wrestling characters and storytelling. Cena’s heel turn, while different from Hogan’s, shows how the sport continues to grow by blending traditional and modern approaches, keeping the audience engaged in new and dynamic ways.
