John Cena Explains Why He Ended Heel Run: “You Just Have to Listen”

John Cena has revealed the reason for his recent return to a “babyface” (hero) persona, stating that the decision was a direct response to the WWE audience, whose will he believes is a “losing battle” to ignore.

Speaking at the press conference following the Clash in Paris event, the 17-time World Champion detailed his philosophy.

“Remember, what we do is try to entertain the audience in the best way possible,” Cena said. “Sometimes, you can make bold and courageous moves, but going against that energy is a losing battle. So, sometimes, you just have to listen and change course.“

He specifically cited moments in past matches against Randy Orton, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes where the crowd’s overwhelmingly positive cheers for him became impossible to ignore.

The character shift ends Cena’s brief but notable run as a “heel” (villain), his first in over two decades. The turn began at Elimination Chamber in February through an alliance with The Rock, which ultimately propelled him to his record-tying 17th World Championship at WrestleMania 41.

Cena also shared a recent story from Brussels where he had the opportunity to apologize to a young fan he had insulted during his heel phase. He described it as a great moment, explaining to the fan that his on-screen actions were the result of him “having a bad day, so to speak.”

His successful return to the babyface role continued at Clash in Paris, where he defeated Logan Paul. The victory is part of his ongoing farewell tour, which now has only eight dates remaining. Cena, 48, has cited the physical toll of his long career as the primary reason for his retirement, with his final match scheduled for December 13.