In a dramatic and heartfelt moment on the August 1, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena officially shed his recent heel persona and returned to being a beloved babyface during a face-to-face confrontation with longtime rival Cody Rhodes. This pivotal segment, setting the stage for their brutal Street Fight at SummerSlam, saw Cena openly acknowledge his mistakes, thank Cody for pushing him to rediscover his true self, and promise fans a John Cena who is “finally over his own B.S.”[2][4][5]
The segment opened with Cena addressing the WWE Universe after weeks of portraying a more ruthless and aggressive heel variant of his character that had divided fans. Cena credited Rhodes for forcing him into a gritty, no-holds-barred fight that ultimately served as a wake-up call. He admitted that turning heel was a mistake, revealing a rare vulnerability seldom seen from the iconic superstar. Cena explained that this Street Fight would require him to dig deep and bring out the “real John Cena” fans fell in love with over two decades ago[2][4].
The crowd’s reaction mirrored this emotional shift, transforming from a chorus of boos earlier in the night to a standing ovation and chants in support of Cena by the end of the promo. As Cena reflected on his journey, he mentioned that he no longer wanted to “ruin wrestling” with the heel antics and was determined to be the warrior he had always been, marking a return to his heroic roots just ahead of the biggest clash of the summer[1][2][4].
Sources close to WWE revealed to Fightful and other wrestling news outlets that this turn was carefully plotted backstage, with creative teams recognizing the necessity of Cena’s babyface resurgence to elevate the SummerSlam main event with Cody Rhodes. Insider reports suggest both men have a tremendous mutual respect that helped foster this candid exchange on live television, adding an authentic layer to their storyline build-up[5].
Following Cena’s heartfelt admission, Rhodes responded by raising beers and toasting to their upcoming war, emphasizing the high stakes and personal nature of their feud. The shared moment of respect and camaraderie contrasted with the brutal nature of their impending Street Fight, making it one of the most compelling build-ups to a WWE main event in recent memory[1][2].
Fans and analysts alike praised the promo for its sincerity and the way it reinvigorated Cena’s character. This face turn not only adds emotional depth to the championship storyline but also revitalizes one of WWE’s all-time greatest stars. Commentary from SmackDown broadcast team highlighted how Cena’s acknowledgment of his heel missteps and embrace of who he truly is “the wake-up call that the WWE Universe needed.”[1]
With SummerSlam scheduled for August 3, 2025, from Newark, New Jersey, the anticipation surrounding John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes has never been higher. Cena’s babyface return injects a new level of excitement and unpredictability into the matchup, positioning it as a must-watch event. As Cena himself said during SmackDown, “I don’t know who walks out with this on Sunday, but I do know who wins – each and every one of you.”[2]
This remarkable moment marks a turning point in Cena’s career, promising fans that the “real John Cena” is back and ready to bring a legendary showdown at SummerSlam. WWE.com and various wrestling podcasts have already begun dissecting the implications of this development for Cena, Rhodes, and the championship picture moving forward, suggesting that Cena’s babyface resurgence could pave the way for future storylines and high-profile encounters[4][5].
For now, the WWE Universe eagerly awaits Sunday’s epic clash, where John Cena aims to prove he is not only the champion but the hero fans have always celebrated.
Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, PWMania, CageSideSeats, WrestleView, YouTube WWE Network clips[1][2][3][4][5]
