Could a John Cena Heel Turn Match Hulk Hogan’s Success?
When Hulk Hogan made his infamous 'heel turn' to become Hollywood Hulk in WCW during the mid to late 1990s, it marked a significant shift in his career. This turn was necessary because he was transitioning from the World Wrestling Federation (WWE), then known as the WWF, to the rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The audience in WCW preferred a more realistic, traditional style of wrestling, which was different from the heavily marketed WrestleMania card productions touted by the WWF. Hogan's transformation to Hollywood Hulk was both a strategic and market-driven decision that paid off, making him a household name.
John Cena’s Long Stint with WWE
John Cena, however, has always remained with WWE, the organization he joined in 2002. Unlike Hulk Hogan, who transitioned between rival promotions, Cena has never left the comfort of WWE's stable environment. This continuity has made him a go-to star for WWE, but it also means that his role as a face became deeply ingrained in the WWE narrative. Cena's long tenure as the face of WWE has endeared him to a vast fan base, especially to a large number of kids who view him as a role model and a hero.
The Current Fan Base and Cena’s Condition
Switching CJena's character to a heel today would face significant hurdles. The transition might be too drastic for his vast fan base, particularly among the younger viewers who have grown up watching Cena from the start. His transformation from a passionate, almost {die-hard} fan to a villainous figure might be met with disbelief and resentment from his core fan base. For instance, remember how many WWE fans welcomed Smith on his heel turn in 2008? The reception was significantly different from a heel turn that might occur for a veteran like Cena.
The Irrelevance of a Heel Turn
In recent years, WWE has adopted a format that integrates regular characters—from faces to heels—more seamlessly. However, Cena’s status as a face is so deeply rooted that a sudden shift might just lead to disconnect more than engagement. Additionally, Cena has become something of a part-time superstar, given his commitments to other projects and interests outside of WWE. This limited visibility makes it even harder for him to come across as a believable heel.
Conclusion: A Difficult Heel Turn for Cena?
Given his long-standing reputation and the current state of WWE's narrative, a John Cena hee turn simply might not be the same thing as a Hulk Hogan hee turn. While Hogan's transformation was crucial for his career in a new setting, Cena's constant presence in WWE and his face character make such a shift a bridge too far. WWE has found other ways of maintaining tension within its roster, without the need to completely transform a beloved face into a deserving heel.