Following a loss at the Royal Rumble, John Cena declared that he was entering the Elimination Chamber, a match that would determine who would face Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania. Unlike his opponents in the match, Cena did not have to qualify to enter. Although this could have been seen as a testament to Cena’s legendary status precluding the need to qualify, it was also a clear indication of what would follow.
The 16-time world champion went on to win the Elimination Chamber after the already eliminated Seth Rollins attacked CM Punk, allowing Cena to secure the victory. Everyone in the Rogers Centre assumed that would be the end of Cena’s role for the evening. They were wrong.
After the match ended and the Elimination Chamber structure was raised, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance and walked to the ring. Rhodes was presumably out to congratulate Cena on his victory and to get a shot of both WrestleMania competitors in the ring at the same time. Then, The Rock appeared—accompanied by Travis Scott, for some reason—and all hell broke loose.
Rhodes turned down The Rock’s offer to sell his soul while Cena was still in the ring. This should have warned everyone that something major was imminent. Rhodes and Cena embraced in the ring with a hug while the Final Boss watched. The Rock then signaled to Cena that it was time.
In what might be the biggest shock of the last 20 years, longtime babyface John Cena hit Rhodes below the belt, solidifying himself as a heel who wants to be the corporate champion. In a stunning turn of events, Cena bloodied his WrestleMania opponent and turned on the fans.
The journey to WrestleMania is always the most unpredictable period for WWE, and this moment not only changed how fans viewed the build up to the grandest stage of them all, but also how they saw the once-beloved Cena. In his final year as an in-ring competitor, Cena captivated the audience once again—by doing the unthinkable.
