After 22 years, most of them predominantly spent as the number 1 (literal) “superhero” good guy, and idol to millions upon millions of kids and fans worldwide, John Cena did the ultimate act that made us see him, front and centre, infront of the world.
“Was not on my bingo card” was the simple yet wonderful description from one of many stunned friends I have spoken about it with since. In terms of a creative, storytelling moment, I thought it was tremendously well done. And it’s for sure one of the biggest and most shocking in wrestling history. It’s right up there with Hogan joining the nWo, ‘The Streak’ ending, Austin shaking hands with “satan himself”. And now we have not only a retirement tour, not only a chase for a record-breaking 17th world title reign, but in a WrestleMania main event against the current day hero, for the WWE Championship… oh and under the rule of The Final Boss.
Elimination Chamber 2025 was a great PLE; opened with a good Women’s chamber, a tag match featuring Hall of Famer Trish Stratus in her hometown, an excellent unsanctioned match between two other Canadian heroes, and a pretty good men’s chamber match which despite its star-studded cast, will surely be forgotten in the annuls of history given what occurred afterwards.
There had been some chatter (not my opinion personally, but others have spoken as such) that WrestleMania 41 was looking somewhat underwhelming in terms of a line up… I have a feeling that sentiment will largely subside now. And it’s funny that people are upset about a line up that still doesn’t have CM Punk, Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch with confirmed matches on the card. Now with the prospect of the world championship record being broken in the main event, suddenly the line-up seems much more appealing.
It’s ironic that WrestleMania 41 is taking place in Sin City, with the events that happened in Toronto overnight. And to think that Cody telling The Rock to “GO FUCK YOURSELF” wasn’t the biggest sin of the night… or perhaps it was? Cody signed his own death warrant it seems by declining The Final Boss’ offer of endless rewards, in exchange for his soul. Even more shocking was just who instead took up the offer of taking the forbidden fruits from The Rock, A man who he himself was once described by The Rock as a “FRUITY PEBBLE”.
You could’ve imagined anyone else in that chamber match taking up The Rock’s offer; Rollins certainly has form for taking up the corporate “sellout” option, Punk is Punk, Logan is Logan, Drew seems to be willing to do anything to get his moment infront of fans (with the hope that this one lasts), and Damian Priest became a main event star off the back of turning his back on the guy who brought him in to The Judgement Day originally. But not Cena. No way. Not now anyway, when he’s literally in his retirement year. Right???
But he did. They did the thing. John Cena will be going in to his first WrestleMania main event for 12 years (ironically which was AGAINST the man he just sold his soul to), firmly and well truly as a heel character. And this isn’t the first time that The Rock led Cena down a dark path… merch was made, new gear and theme song all prepared for Cena to ‘Embrace the hate’ in the build to his first WrestleMania meeting with The Rock. And whilst it would’ve been one thing to turn him heel in 2012, doing so in 2025 is almost even more shocking.
There’s a tonne of storyline beats of which I’m sure they will be touched upon between now and WrestleMania, but throughout today my mind has gone to some of the more subtle nuances; what does a John Cena heel promo in 2025 sound like? How does he talk? Does he cuss the crowd? Is he desperate? Is he tired of being the hero? Is he unhappy that it’s Cody’s time now? Just as Rock beat Hogan, and Cena beat The Rock, is John Cena next to pass the torch officially to The American Nightmare?
But I guess the main question we all want to know the answer to, is the simplest one… Why?
Why did John Cena the character sell out to The Rock? But maybe more interestingly is why the creative team and Triple H went in this direction? Cody vs Cena had been the rumour for some time, but I don’t think any of us saw it going quite like this…
Was it a case of The Rock phoning in and making his availability for WrestleMania and the build up at the last minute? Was this the plan for this Cena retirement tour all along? What will this do for the Cena merchandise MEGA-machine? And will SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!?
And what now for the victim of the shocking turn of events? Our WWE Champion has led the company from the front during his title reign. And one year after he finished his story, overcoming just about every obstacle possible he now must summon up all his might, to overcome not only the political power of a vengeful Final Boss, but also that of one of the very men who came to his aid in the Mania main event a year ago. I’m sure the character of Cody expected a backlash from The Rock for telling him where to go, but I’m sure he didn’t expect the man he’s looking to emulate as the face of WWE being the one to deliver the fatal blow.
You’d have to think that last night’s events were just a sign of things to come for Cody. Certainly the thought I’ve kept saying to people today has been that the road to WrestleMania is going to be a ROUGH one for the current WWE Champion. I’m sure things will get personal. Cena will say things I am sure he’s wanted to say for two decades and more, The Rock will explain how he’s doing what’s ’best for business’ and how Cody brought all this on to himself. And I’m sure things will continue to be physical, graphic and violent.
So once we get to Las Vegas, then what? Does Cody overcome the odds AGAIN? Does HEEL Cena win the record 17th? A moment which should be one of tremendous joy and celebration, closes our WrestleMania 41 with the ultimate heel beating the ultimate fighting babyface champion? I could see either happening, and I’m sure my mind will change many times between now and the match itself… but with the momentum and drama of the moment still very fresh in my mind (and will be for some time I am sure), I can’t look past heel Cena being handed the WWE title by The Final Boss come April 20th. And as big of a Cody fan I am… I can’t pretend that the prospect of Heel Cena with The Rock in his corner being the WWE Champion doesn’t excite me greatly.
But one thing is for sure, WWE fans everywhere will remember Saturday March 1st, at the Elimination Chamber PLE in Toronto Canada. , as the day that pigs flew.
Josh.