In a recent episode of the Hall of Fame podcast, wrestling legend Booker T shared his insights on the abrupt end of John Cena‘s heel turn ahead of SummerSlam. He expressed his belief that the decision to revert Cena back to a babyface was the appropriate choice, citing that Cena is not inherently suited to play the role of a villain.
Booker T’s Perspective on Cena’s Character
Booker T emphasized that Cena’s transition to a heel character was problematic from the outset. He stated, “I really think [Brock Lesnar’s return] is all about John Cena not being a heel. I said this. I said, ‘John Cena is not a heel.’ He can’t even play a good heel.” According to Booker T, Cena’s attempts to portray anger come off as inauthentic, suggesting that it is not a natural fit for him.
Booker T further elaborated on the situation by suggesting that the decision to pivot back to a babyface was a strategic move. He remarked, “I thought the babyface turn was John Cena just saying, ‘Hey man, let’s just course correct, and get back on pace.’” This aligns with the anticipated return of Brock Lesnar, indicating Cena’s readiness to engage with that storyline as he moves forward.
Cena and Rhodes: A Match to Remember
In addition to discussing Cena’s character, Booker T reflected on a recent match between Cena and Cody Rhodes. He noted that there seemed to be a mutual understanding between the two wrestlers. “It seemed like Cody told John Cena, ‘Hey, bro, don’t worry about me tonight. Just do it.’” This approach, according to Booker T, allowed Cena to fully embrace the intensity of the match, resulting in a dynamic performance.
Booker T praised the energy of the encounter, stating, “John was bringing it, man. I mean, he was throwing Cody all over that place.” He characterized the match as feeling more like a genuine fight rather than a scripted wrestling encounter. This shift in tone highlighted both wrestlers’ commitment to delivering an engaging experience for the audience.
The commentary from Booker T provides a fascinating glimpse into the strategies behind character development in professional wrestling. His insights underline the importance of authenticity in performance, particularly for a figure as prominent as John Cena. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, the decisions made by superstars and their management will undoubtedly shape future storylines and character arcs.
