Will the guy who has been the face that has run the place for the better part of 14 years finally do the one thing we all hoped would have happened years ago? Has the time come for John Cena to give into peer pressure – meaning the continual hope by fans and the wrestling media – and become a heel after vowing to never change his stance on the issue?
Recent rumours on various wrestling websites and Forbes.com have talked openly about the need for Cena, who is a 15-time world champion and looking to tie Ric Flair for the most title reigns in wrestling history, to make the jump to the “dark side” much like Hulk Hogan did all those years ago.
It’s a risk many feel Cena and WWE need to take to help a company that is trying anything and everything to get a fresh new look. As Anthony DiMoro of Forbes.com pointed out, the creative team of WWE has discussed the idea with Vince McMahon, who has stopped short of letting that happen.
For once, it’s time for Vinnie Mac to move over and let the creative side take over. It’s time for Cena to let go of his inner halo and exchange it for a set of red devil ears. Both Raw and SmackDown Live cannot keep up the current pace of “less is more” while trying to increase ratings and fan interaction.
The one thing that could change all of that is Cena changing sides. But in reality, it’s more than that. Regardless of how and why the move needs to happen now. Here are five reasons why Cena’s heel turn is necessary right this moment.
#1 Monday, Monday, Monday
Or in this case, Tuesday, Tuesday. Cena and SmackDown Live are ahead of the curve, but not by much. There is talk Cena wants time off sooner rather than later. The current roster cannot sustain his hiatus unless something earth shattering happens upon his return.
With Hell in a Cell on the cards for the end of October and Survivor Series on the horizon, WWE must stir the pot and create a bit of drama in the traditional “5-on-5” match to determine who has greater control of WWE’s overall roster.
Cena’s heel turn creates a balance of power on Tuesday nights.
#2 Never Say Never
Did you ever think Hulk Hogan would turn his back on the millions of fans who supported him throughout the years and put up with the continual title runs that forced great talent down the company ladder in both WWF and WCW?
When Hogan showed up and joined Hall and Nash, the idea that even the most beloved and “safest” component of the business was cracked. Cena has been the one constant since joining the main roster in 2002. His brash style as “Dr. of Thuganomics” to the “Goody Two Shoes” approach has been loved and hated at the same time.
It might be time to do away with the Tim Tebow-like act and reinvent himself as a partial Hogan clone.
#3 It’s what the fans want
WWE is becoming more aware of what the fans want with the new brand split and the fact AJ Styles was thrust into the main event and is now the leader of the SmackDown Live brand. For years, after the end of the Attitude Era, everything fans have cried for has fallen on deaf ears.
Maybe the company is onto something by listening first and acting second. Despite the fact that Vince McMahon has been against this move all along, what does he have to lose by making the change? There are ways to ultimately bring him back as a babyface, but for now, trial and error might be the best approach to appease the fans.
#4 The act is old
Seriously, he is great for marketing and WWE didn’t have a backup plan until about two years ago. His look, his persona – everything about him is tiresome. I think fans would be more receptive to the idea of Cena as a babyface if his look was altered, maybe going back to the thug angle.
The younger generation loves him for what he stands for. He is an ambassador of the military and he is beloved by those associated with Susan G. Komen Foundation. All of that can still carry on in the background. Remember, everyone knows this is fake.
Fans still love their heroes, even when they turn heel.
#5 A McMahon feud
It would not be unheard of for Cena to take on the role of the chosen one by the McMahons. It could also be part of the Survivor Series angle where Raw wins because Cena helps Smackdown Live lose or vice versa. It could also mean Cena jumps to the red team.
Or, and this might be a stretch – what if Cena and Shane McMahon got into a feud with control of the blue team on the line? There are plenty of angles the company has not used with Cena – yet. With the fact that his schedule is now a bit lighter, maybe those possibilities can be explored.
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