John Cena has finally addressed fans following his dramatic babyface turn on the latest episode of SmackDown—the final show before WWE’s highly anticipated SummerSlam Premium Live Event.
Cena is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight, marking a high-stakes rematch from WrestleMania 41. At that event, Cena captured his record-breaking 17th world title, thanks in part to interference from rapper Travis Scott.
On SmackDown, Cena made a stunning return to the light side for the first time since his controversial heel turn earlier this year at Elimination Chamber: Toronto. Following the shift in character, Cena shared a cryptic but uplifting message on X:
“If you do not believe in self, it will be extremely difficult to get others to believe in you. Be authentically you. The possibilities of life could be expanded exponentially.”
If you do not believe in self, it will be extremely difficult to get others to believe in you. Be authentically you. The possibilities of life could be expanded exponentially.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 2, 2025
Wade Barrett Reacts to Cena’s Sudden Face Turn
Despite the positive message, not everyone is convinced by Cena’s apparent change of heart. Former rival and current WWE commentator Wade Barrett expressed his skepticism during SmackDown, questioning whether the audience should truly trust The Franchise.
“Let me float this out there. Among all the feel-good moments, can you get carried away and trust John Cena, who has tried every trick in the book these past five months? Allow me to be hesitant and pump the brakes for now,” Barrett said.
Cena’s Path to SummerSlam
Cena’s heel turn shocked fans earlier this year when he aligned with The Rock and Travis Scott at Elimination Chamber. In that moment, he brutally attacked Cody Rhodes after asking him for his “soul” and being rejected.
Since capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship from Rhodes, Cena has gone on to defend the title against top-tier opponents. He defeated Randy Orton at the Backlash Premium Live Event and CM Punk at Night of Champions 2025.
As SummerSlam approaches, all eyes are on Cena to see whether his babyface turn is genuine—or part of a bigger plan.
