WWE Backstage Reaction To John Cena's Heel Turn Revealed

John Cena shocked the world on Saturday, March 1 as he became a heel for the first time in 22 years, turning on Cody Rhodes and aligning with The Rock at WWE Elimination Chamber.

Fans had called for Cena to turn heel for years while he was the top star of WWE from 2005 until 2016 but Cena had been cheered over the past several years and it appeared the time for him to turn heel had been and gone since he is currently on his retirement tour.

The surprise extended to backstage within WWE, with Fightful Select reporting there was "a lot of pleasant shock" and the WWE roster simply didn't think Cena turning heel would happen. There was excitement about the turn amongst WWE talent, though, as they knew it would lead to more eyes on the product.

Cena's heel turn was top secret within WWE to the point only a few people knew it was going to happen. Cena will challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a headline match at WrestleMania 41, courtesy of his win in the Men's Elimination Chamber match.

Further details about Cena's post-WrestleMania 41 schedule have been revealed. Cena previously noted he will work around 36 dates for his 2025 retirement tour.

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