Fan Theory: John Cena's Babyface Turn A Setup For Shocking SummerSlam Twist

On Friday, as the show kicked off, Cena declared August 1st, 2025, as the day he “came back to the WWE.” He cut a promo, seemingly turning babyface after months where he claimed he was taking the WWE Title home after he retires and his plan was to ruin wrestling. Pulling a total 180, Cena instead proclaimed his love for wrestling, criticized former allies who abandoned him, and even threw pointed jabs at The Rock and rapper Travis Scott.

“The only platinum rapper showing up to kick your ass is me,” Cena boasted, positioning himself as a champion who was going to war on his own in what would be a fair Street Fight at SummerSlam.

Social media was flooded with reactions on Cena's apparent babyface turn. However, fans online aren’t buying it—at least not entirely.

A viral theory has emerged suggesting this is a strategic ruse designed to weaken The American Nightmare ahead of this weekend's match.

What Might Cena Have Planned?

It does make sense that Cena would turn back before retiring, and that the heel run didn't pan out as WWE would have hoped. If so, switch him back and let him end his run as a good guy. That said, some think WWE could be setting up a shocking alliance with The Rock. Alternatively, Rhodes sells out and joins the power structure he's long claimed to oppose.

If Cena stays heel, WWE could be bringing the Rock back to finish what they started, but do it right. Fans were upset when The Final Boss got involved, but illogically didn't finish the storyline. Travis Scott was not a suitable replacement and was blamed for much of WrestleMania's critical mess.

However, if Cody turns, it could be another interesting pivot. He's spoken a lot in the lead-up to SummerSlam about his position as the company's top babyface and what a heel run might look like. The Rock initially pitched a Rhodes heel turn for WrestleMania 41, which was ultimately rejected. What if Cena becomes the babyface and Rhodes turns, with The Rock having bought his soul?

Cena tweeted cryptically on Saturday: “Be authentically you. The possibilities of life could be expanded exponentially.” But for wrestling fans, “authentic” might be the last word they’d use to describe Cena’s current role—especially if SummerSlam ends with a another betrayal.