“He Was Never the Hero: The Hidden Heel Legacy of John Cena”

John Cena is one of the most polarizing figures in the history of WWE — a hero to millions of fans, especially children, but also one of the most effective heels (villains) who was never truly a heel (that’s a bad guy in wrestling, for those who might not get it) in the company’s history, even though he was positioned as the ultimate babyface (good guy) for much of his career. Cena was the squeaky-clean babyface who never did anything wrong.

The Unintentional Heel:

WWE has been promoting Cena firm as the top babyface but his over pushing which often steamrolled over other talents and his omnipresence drew wide-ranging rebuke from older enthusiasts, making him an accidental heel. From 2005 on throughout his career Cena was vigorously booed. In particular, his parade had been rained upon in towns such as Chicago, New York City and Philadelphia. Where once his virtue-character was that of / a superhero willing to win at any price (literally and metaphorically) with nothing unethical or illegal about what we can see from the outside on his side--fans were in despair.

“Love him or hate him, John Cena didn’t just play the hero, he became the villain.

WWE never meant to create, and that’s what made him unforgettable.”