3 signs John Cena will turn heel in 2025

John Cena's retirement tour is set to begin on RAW's highly anticipated debut on Netflix on January 6. Cena is also expected to compete in the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble Match.

Considering that his farewell tour was announced months in advance, anticipation is sky-high as The Cenation prepares for an emotional twelve months. The 16-time World Champion has received immeasurable love and respect in recent years.

The WWE Universe has poured their love in on the Franchise Player of the PG Era. It makes sense for Cena to enjoy more affection in his final run as a babyface. However, The Champ may swerve everyone with a surprising heel turn.

Here are three signs that The Cenation Leader will turn heel in 2025.

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#3. A desperate John Cena seeks to win his 17th World Title at any cost

Ric Flair's long-standing record of 16 World Titles is in danger as John Cena is only one championship away from creating history. Unfortunately, gold hasn't been easy to come by for the Peacemaker star.

The Leader of the Cenation last won the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2017 in the Alamodome, where he defeated AJ Styles in an instant classic. The run lasted only two weeks as he lost the belt in an Elimination Chamber Match.

Almost eight years have passed, and the opportunity hasn't come by as frequently. Cena's last one-on-one World Title match was against Roman Reigns at SummerSlam 2021.

With time running out and desperation setting in, The Champ may turn heel to increase his odds of winning the 17th World Title. A heel John Cena would catch everyone by surprise, as few would be prepared for such a character change.

The willingness to win at any cost or by any means necessary, a tactic frequently used by The Nature Boy, would give Cena an advantage to break Flair's record.

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#2. Cena is no longer the top babyface

Despite persistent fan resentment and pleas for a character change, WWE refused to turn 'Super Cena' heel during the height of the PG Era. In the company's defense, John Cena was the top babyface, and his character appealed to the younger fans.

Furthermore, Cena's social endeavors, including the "Make a Wish" contributions, wouldn't have made much sense as a heel. Consequently, WWE may have been justified in keeping him as a babyface.

However, the situation is dramatically different today. Cody Rhodes is the poster boy of the Triple H Era. Prominent babyfaces like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Jey Uso have also received much of the spotlight.

Hence, there is no pressure to keep Cena as a babyface. The rise of newer babyfaces may have engendered resentment and jealousy in the 16-time World Champion.

Cena's legacy as a good guy and his acting career would not diminish the respect fans have for him. Thus, a heel turn at this stage would not affect his social contributions.

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#1. Most of John Cena's opponents are top babyfaces

The retirement run will last twelve months, and John Cena will have plenty of time to face many members of the current roster. However, the rumor mill and fanfare on social media have brought several candidates to the fore.

Randy Orton's name is on every fan's wishlist. Cena and Orton carried the PG Era with their iconic rivalry, and The Cenation Leader wanted the legends to write one final chapter in their storied feud.

CM Punk also has an intriguing narrative with Cena, dating back to their critically acclaimed feud during "The Summer of Punk." Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, is naturally a future opponent for The Champ because he is the final stepping stone in Cena's path to a 17th World Title.

All three of these men are top babyfaces. Triple H could not turn all of them heels, as that could impair the heel-babyface dynamics in the long run.