In 1996, the wrestling world witnessed a transformation that would forever change the trajectory of Hulk Hogan’s career. The man known for his iconic superhero image, donning the red and yellow, shocked fans by shedding that persona and aligning himself with the New World Order (NWO). This audacious move marked a career renaissance for Hogan, igniting one of the most scorching runs in his wrestling journey. Little did he know that years later, he would look at a fellow legend and wish for a similar transformation.
Hulk Hogan’s gaze into the wrestling crystal ball fell upon none other than John Cena, a modern-day wrestling icon. Cena, a 25-time WWE Champion, has maintained a steadfast commitment to his babyface character since 2005. Behind the scenes, it’s rumored that Vince McMahon staunchly resisted the idea of turning Cena heel. The reasons were clear – Cena’s popularity among children, the booming merchandise sales associated with his heroic image, and his incredible contributions to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
In a candid interview with Chris Van Vliet, Hulk Hogan shared his belief that John Cena possessed the potential to become one of the most sizzling heels in wrestling history. Hogan’s vision was clear: a Cena who had embraced the dark side could captivate audiences like never before. He envisioned a heel Cena commanding the spotlight, drawing the ire of fans, and crafting a compelling narrative. And then, when the moment was ripe, Cena could make a dramatic return to his babyface persona, igniting a colossal resurgence in popularity.
Hogan explained, “He would be one of the hottest heels ever. And then, whether it’s six months, six years, or two years when you repent and beg for forgiveness, he’d be hotter than he was before as a babyface. It’s a natural flow that, once you get the vibe out there, John would be in a better position to know [if the heel turn is working] than Vince [McMahon].”
John Cena, though revered as a WWE legend today, wasn’t always met with universal adoration. A segment of fans once booed him, attributing their displeasure to what they perceived as “stale booking.” It was a situation reminiscent of the reception Roman Reigns received during his babyface run. However, while the audience may have clamored for a heel turn, Vince McMahon remained unwavering in his decision to keep Cena as the ultimate good guy.
As history shows, Cena’s path led him to unprecedented heights, but the question lingers: What if Cena had heeded Hogan’s advice and ventured into the dark side of wrestling? It’s a tantalizing “what if” scenario that will forever intrigue fans and industry insiders alike. Hogan’s words serve as a testament to the enduring fascination with the possibilities that lie within the world of professional wrestling – a world where heroes can become villains and villains can, in the blink of an eye, become heroes once more.
