One of WWE’s most adored characters for a long time is John Cena, a gigantic babyface who has led the company for more than ten years. 

But there have been constant rumors and conjecture about a possible heel change throughout his career—one that never came to pass. 

Triple H, the chief content officer for WWE, recently shared details of a crucial instance in which the company offered Cena a heel turn and the 16-time World Champion’s response.

The Unseen Heel Turn That Never Was

Triple H disclosed in an interview that WWE had once given serious consideration to making John Cena a villain. Since Cena’s fan base was divided, with younger audiences praising him and older audiences jeering him, many thought that a change in character may usher in a new chapter in his career.

Cena, however, responded to the notion in a measured and very deliberate manner. Triple H clarified that although Cena was creatively receptive to the idea, he was also well-aware of the WWE business aspect. 

Cena realized that his persona encompassed not only his character in the ring but also the millions of young people who admired him. His “Never Give Up” mantra and role as a real-life superhero for children made turning heel a difficult decision.

Why Cena Never Turned Heel

Triple H clarified that Cena’s continued status as a babyface was also influenced by WWE’s corporate alliances and merchandise sales. His impact went beyond the ring; as a global representative of WWE, Cena was regularly involved in charitable endeavors, appearances for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and brand agreements that capitalized on his heroic character.

In the end, Cena allegedly assured WWE that he would turn heel without hesitation if they really wanted him to. He did accept, though, that it will alter the WWE environment and might have unforeseen repercussions for younger fans.

The Legacy of Cena’s Babyface Run

His steadfastness as a babyface helped solidify Cena’s reputation as one of WWE’s best talents, even though some fans still wish they had seen a heel version of him. 

Over the years, Cena changed his character even without a heel run, giving some of his best matches and promos against celebrities like Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, and CM Punk.

Despite WWE’s ongoing evolution, the tale of Cena’s unprecedented heel turn continues to be one of wrestling’s most intriguing “what ifs.” But by being loyal to his identity, he cemented his legacy as an all-time great and contributed to the development of WWE’s contemporary era.