Although John Cena is technically a heel, he continues to receive cheers from WWE fans, even when facing popular babyfaces like Cody Rhodes. Some experts speculate that Cena might revert to his original babyface persona at WWE SummerSlam to capitalize on this fan reaction. However, Tommy Dreamer questions the point of this character shift. On the “Busted Open Radio” show, Dreamer sarcastically wondered what the fans’ reactions would actually achieve, suggesting that despite Cena’s power and influence, fans seem conflicted, cheering him even when he’s supposed to be the villain.
Earlier in 2025, Cena showed respect for his own “hustle, loyalty, and respect” by vowing to damage wrestling and retire as a world champion, which initially led to fans booing him—especially with China calling fans toxic. Over time, the crowd shifted to cheering him again, which WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray attributes to Cena’s status as one of the greatest performers, making it difficult for people to genuinely boo him.
Cena is set to defend the undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes in a street fight at SummerSlam’s main event at MetLife Stadium. This rivalry intensified after Cena lost to Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 and Rhodes claimed a rematch by winning the 2025 King of the Ring Tournament.
Fan Take: John Cena’s complex crowd reactions highlight how WWE storytelling continues to blur traditional hero and villain roles, making matches more unpredictable and engaging. This evolution could keep fans invested in the characters and storylines, fueling the sport’s growth and excitement.
