John Cena Discusses The Rock, Travis Scott’s WWE Heel Run Exit
John Cena recently reflected on his experience during the Elimination Chamber event held in Toronto in March 2025. WWE executives aimed for a surprising heel turn as part of his retirement tour, aiming to create a memorable moment.
Cena on the Business of Wrestling
In an episode of the podcast “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” hosted by Cody Rhodes, Cena emphasized the importance of capturing great moments in professional wrestling. He mentioned that compelling wrestling stories do not always require extensive planning.
The Impact of The Rock and Travis Scott’s Absence
Unfortunately, the absence of key figures, including The Rock and rapper Travis Scott, impacted WWE’s narrative significantly. Neither made notable appearances after the Elimination Chamber, despite Travis showing up briefly during WrestleMania 41, a moment that received mixed reactions from fans.
Cena noted that he and Rhodes did not discuss the void left by The Rock and Scott. Their focus remained on future plans. Rather than assigning blame to his colleagues for their lack of presence, Cena expressed understanding, suggesting that personal commitments may have taken precedence.
Fan Reactions and Cena’s Response
This situation forced WWE to shift its storytelling to highlight Cena’s complex relationship with fans. He addressed the notorious “Cena sucks” chants that echoed through arenas. While he usually brushed them off with a smile, he acknowledged feeling differently during this heel run.
- Cena returned to a babyface role later in the summer.
- His heel run was ultimately deemed unsuccessful.
Cena recognizes and respects fan criticism regarding his heel turn, aware of their dissatisfaction with WWE’s inability to maintain a long-term narrative. Despite the challenges, he found positives, noting that the departure of The Rock and Scott opened doors for matches he might not have otherwise had. He cited opponents like Randy Orton, Logan Paul, CM Punk, and AJ Styles as highlights from his recent bouts.
Retirement Match Reflection
John Cena concluded his in-ring career with a submission loss to Gunther at a Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington last weekend. He expressed satisfaction with this match, describing it as a fitting end to a remarkable career in WWE.
