Don’t Like: Old Music, Old Look

On March 5, 2024, the script for a John Cena heel turn was leaked…by John Cena.

In an interview with wrestling reporter Chris Van Vliet, the then 16-time champ revealed that he was “real close” to joining the dark side when he feuded with The Rock in 2012. (Skip to around 30:18 in the above video.)

Had he turned, he would have flipped “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” on its head: show up less, malign the fans who love him, and disrespect his opponents. Sound familiar?

He also apparently created a new theme song and designed low-cut wrestling singlets with accompanying boxing robes in preparation.

Almost one year later to the date, Cena pulled off the stunning turn, but his music and ring gear haven’t changed. Why?

A heel’s job isn’t to provide fan service. They’re supposed to get under our skin and not let us have fun things. In the words of another all-time great, it doesn’t matter what we want.

John Boy’s time (for himself) is now, and he’s going to profit off of his colorful, campy t-shirts and hats whether we like it or not. At least we’ve got YouTube to live out our heel Cena theme song fantasies.