In February at Elimination Chamber, John Cena formed a shocking alliance with The Rock and Travis Scott, turning into an on-screen villain for the first time since 2003. However, on this week’s SmackDown, the Peacemaker actor admitted that they had left him high and dry. Just as Cena was about to start his promo, Cody Rhodes interrupted his nemesis.
Instead of lashing out at Rhodes for assaulting him to force a Street Fight at SummerSlam, Cena thanked the former AEW EVP for kicking some sense into him. The Last Real Champion, in repentance, admitted that he had been pretending to be someone he wasn’t. Cena even said he had flushed the reputation he built through hard work down the toilet by buying into someone’s crazy idea of false glory.
The Franchise Player said that when the dust settled after his heel turn, the people who were supposed to stand by his side left him alone. It was an apparent dig at Dwayne Johnson and Travis Scott. Cena grew emotional while addressing his earlier claim that he had ruined wrestling for everyone. He told the audience that he wants to retire with the WWE title so they won’t forget him when he rides off into the sunset.
Expressing gratitude to Rhodes for constantly pushing him to face reality, Cena warned The Prodigal Son that the only platinum rapper who was going to whip him on Sunday is him. Both men will try to dismantle each other at The Biggest Party of the Summer, with the Undisputed WWE Title on the line.
John Cena might be playing mind games with Cody Rhodes to throw him off his guard ahead of their SummerSlam match
John Cena’s complete character shift on SmackDown has certainly stirred up conversation about his authenticity. A section of the audience doubts him, accusing him of double-crossing the fans by faking a change of heart. They believe Cena did it to soften up an otherwise laser-focused Cody Rhodes ahead of their title match at SummerSlam.
The American Nightmare wanted the real Cena to show up for their rematch, and by the looks of it, Rhodes has gotten his wish. On the contrary, a conspiracy theory is floating around the internet about a possible heel turn by Dusty Rhodes’ son. A while ago, QB1 confirmed that he hasn’t completely rejected The Rock’s offer.
Whatever that might entail, the WWE Universe hopes for a shenanigan-free showdown between Cena and Rhodes. Their match at WrestleMania 41 drew heavy criticism due to an awkward run-in from Travis Scott, something even Drew McIntyre recently pointed out. The goodwill of the Cena–Rhodes rivalry depends on how they perform at SummerSlam. They have to deliver this time.