WWE news: Industry veterans, fans weigh in on controversial John Cena turn

By Christopher Aquino

John Cena, the World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) most beloved hero, sent shockwaves throughout the industry by executing a stunning heel turn at the company’s “Elimination Chamber” event at the beginning of the month.

The twist altered the course of WWE’s story-telling, as it ignited an outpour of reactions from industry veterans and fans alike.

Tag-team legend weighs in 

Tag-team icon Matt Hardy shared his thoughts on the turn, calling it a daring decision.

“I think it is good for business, I think John was very generous in being up for it, and I would imagine he’s pretty excited for it, everything being considered,” Hardy stated during an episode of his podcast.

Hardy stated that, given this is Cena’s final year as a wrestler, he will exert maximum effort moving forward.

“He would want to make it memorable; he would want to supply wrestling fans with invaluable memories,” one half of the Hardy Boyz said.

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Jim Ross hails it as a jaw-dropper 

Iconic commentator Jim Ross praised the decision to turn Cena into a villain, calling it “jaw-dropping”.

“I liked it. I liked the hell out of it. I thought it was timely. I thought it made sense. I thought it added to the show… a jaw-dropper, to say the least,” Ross said on his own podcast.

The decorated commentator also discussed why the company waited so long to make the switch, validating long-standing reports that former WWE chairman and head of creative Vince McMahon was hesitant to turn Cena heel due to his high merchandise sales.

“A lot of people wanted it to happen, but Vince was always very, very reticent in pulling the string on that deal.”

NBA legend hurt with the turn

Former National Basketball Association All-Star Carmelo Anthony, a long-time Cena fan, blasted the turn of events, stating that he did not like how the 16-time world champion “switched up”.

“When Hulk Hogan switched up, I was pissed. As a fan, I was hurt when he did that. 

“I understand with Cena doing that, fans are hurt. He’s a soldier, he was Captain America. He got tired of wearing jorts,” Anthony said during a podcast alongside another NBA legend, Dwyane Wade.

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