WWE Superstar John Cena has been known as the company’s face for over two long decades. It has been a really long time since the 16-time WWE Champion last held the belt on his shoulders, or even won a singles match. But his impact on WWE, the pro wrestling industry, as well as the world still remains stellar.

Typically in wrestling every top babyface turns heel to make for a compelling storyline or just for shock factor alone. However, John Cena never became a heel after winning the world title and still managed to win everyone’s hearts. But, was this what the leader of the Cenation wanted, or was this forced down his throat by Vince McMahon?

When John Cena had to agree on what’s best for business

John Cena recently made an appearance on the Chris Van Vliet podcast. Cena was at the show to promote his latest film Ricky Stanicky while delving into his pro wrestling experience as well. Chris asked several questions to the pro wrestler-cum-Hollywood star, including why he stayed a babyface despite people hating it.

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John Cena responded, “So that’s the job, and that’s what I mean about, like, the people who were responsible for creating the decisions had me win a lot. I’m not going to deny that. But they’ve also had me lose a lot. And every reason or every time I won, it was to be a stepping stone in another thread of the story.” He further delved into how he was made to continue the babyface role.

John Cena said, “It was also heavily understood that, like, hey, you are the good guy. And I know what you’re hearing is one thing. Instinct is saying that we’re getting more opportunities in branding. We’re doing really good with event sales.” Finally, Cena accepted his permanent image and went along with it.

But, he also maintained that he didn’t give up on showing more of himself to fans.

John Cena said, “I’m a human being. I have emotions. I have sadness. And I have despair.” He also added, “I have guilt. Have shame. I have anger, just like happiness, excitement, love, and all that stuff. You just need an avenue to show it. WWE’s wasn’t that avenue.” Today, John Cena showcases his versatility via the various roles he takes up in movies.

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While John Cena did agree to continue his run as a hero because of this, he still wanted to change character sometimes. But, there was an unsaid rule which Cena himself made, that prevented him from becoming a heel.

The thing that restricted the 16-time WWE Champion

To convince John Cena even further, he was shown the data and the analytics of the sales made by WWE because of him. But, while Cena agreed to continue as a face, he always checked the analytics ever since. Although his initial motivation would have been to break free from his goodie-two-shoes role, it later became a tool for becoming better.

Hence, John Cena kept building on his babyface character instead of turning heel. From including the Cena salute to the famous motto of ‘Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect’. Moreover, his permanent character as a hero also made him popular with the global audience, as a stable character whom everyone could recognize. What are your thoughts on this? Let them flow in the comments.

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