Could the American Nightmare Turn Heel on John Cena?
The idea of Cody Rhodes turning heel on John Cena has been a discussion for weeks on social media. Cody secured his shot at the WWE Championship by winning the King of the Ring tournament, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch with Cena at SummerSlam. For over a year, Cody has been positioned as the heroic face of WWE, especially after his emotional victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. His journey has been about adversity, making him one of the most popular figures in the company.
Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber in Toronto was a major shock, as it was his first heel turn in over twenty years. The move surprised fans and wrestlers alike, showcasing a darker, more aggressive side of Cena that had not been seen in years. Cena then switched back to being a babyface on SmackDown before SummerSlam. Some fans believe it was real, others think not. If it was fake and Cena is still a heel, fans have been talking about a potential double turn between the two stars, reminiscent of Steve Austin and Bret Hart’s famous double turn. If it were real, a heel turn for Cody during the Street Fight at SummerSlam could elevate the storyline to new heights and give fans a fresh, unpredictable direction.
Cody has teased in interviews that he could be turning heel someday, hinting at what he would look like and what the music would be. His match against Cena, set in a Street Fight, provides an ideal platform for that transformation. Heel turns are often reserved for major moments like Cena’s at Chamber, and a stipulation match like this offers Cody the opportunity to break rules and show a more ruthless side. Turning heel could help him shake off the “underdog” label, allowing him to adopt a more aggressive persona and create new rivalries.
Cody Rhodes turning heel at SummerSlam could be a pivotal moment in his career. He has been a heel before, but he has been a face for so long that it is almost hard to see him as a heel at this point in his career. Fans have watched Cody as the bright, resilient hero for over a year, but a heel turn might be what is needed to take his character to the next level. With the high-stakes Street Fight stipulation and Cena’s heel turn, WWE seems poised to deliver a shocking twist that could redefine the SummerSlam main event. Paul Levesque did say on SummerSlam Night One Post-Show that we have seen nothing yet. We will see if tonight will live up to those words.
