John Cena showed the first signs that his heel turn would be coming to an end on WWE SmackDown.
Opening the go-home show for SummerSlam on August 1, Cena met face to face with his Undisputed Challenger, Cody Rhodes. While there has been animosity between the two onscreen, most notably in the build to their WrestleMania 41 match, this time was different.
Cena spoke about his heel turn and the upcoming street fight between himself and Rhodes at SummerSlam. After thanking Rhodes for motivating him, Cena spoke about his 25-year legacy forged on hard work and respect, but he flushed it down the toilet 5 months ago. The WWE Champion then noted that although he made shocking TV with the heel turn, those who were with him left, referencing The Rock and Travis Scott’s absence since.
Cena then held up the title and explained his true motivations for wanting to take the championship home, which was that he wanted to make sure the fans never forgot him, not to ruin wrestling. Cena continued, speaking about their street fight and how it will be a true battle. Cena then held up the title and vowed that August 3 would be the day that he officially came back to the WWE, noting that whatever the result, the fans would be the real winners. Cena ended his promo with “The champ is here”, his catchphrase from his babyface days,
John Cena Ends SmackDown Segment Peacefully With Cody Rhodes
Responding to Cena’s passionate promo, Rhodes grabbed 2 beers and welcomed Cena back. Both men toasted to close out the segment with no physicality involved. Commentary also noted that the real Cena was back, referencing the crowd getting behind Cena after just 15 minutes.
Cena famously turned heel back at Elimination Chamber by joining The Rock and Travis Scott in attacking Rhodes to close out the show.
Featured image: WWE
