John Cena’s shocking betrayal of Cody Rhodes has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. But no one was more blindsided than Rhodes himself—especially considering his own words about Cena just a year ago.
In an April 2024 interview on Cheap Heat, Rhodes reflected on Cena’s career and his unwavering babyface persona, praising the 16-time world champion for never turning heel despite years of fan speculation. He told Peter Rosenberg and Stat Guy Greg:
“John’s [heel turn] never happened, and I think rightfully so,” Rhodes said at the time. “We look back now and realize the magic of what John was able to do.”
Now, Cena has shattered that legacy with a heel turn that has changed the trajectory of his legacy.
Cody’s Respect for Cena’s Work Ethic
During that same interview, Rhodes spoke highly of Cena as a role model for success, comparing him to other WWE megastars like The Rock and Roman Reigns.
“Him, John Cena—these guys are models for you,” Rhodes said. “You want the world? You have to do the work.”
Rhodes also credited Cena as one of the veterans who helped guide him early in his career.
“I clung to Randy Orton. I clung to John Cena. And they were both good for me. They never led me astray.”
That makes Cena’s betrayal all the more personal. For years, Rhodes saw Cena as an inspiration, a man whose unwavering moral compass kept him as WWE’s hero, even when the fans turned against him.
A Stunning Reversal of History
At WrestleMania 40, Cena was among the legends who celebrated with Rhodes after his victory over Roman Reigns. Cody was visibly moved by Cena’s presence, later recalling:
“It was just really touching who happened to be in the ring. And then here they are, these absolute legends and mountains of men like a Randy Orton and a John Cena.”
Now, that moment of celebration has been flipped upside down. Cena—who once refused to betray the fans no matter how loudly they booed—has done the unthinkable, turning on the man who idolized him.
For years, fans wondered if a Cena heel turn was possible. Even Rhodes himself believed it would never happen. But in 2025, John Cena finally proved everyone wrong—especially Cody Rhodes.
