What does Paul Heyman think of John Cena abandoning his heel turn ahead of WWE SummerSlam?
WWE Superstar Paul Heyman was a recent guest on The Ariel Helwani Show. When asked about John Cena officially ending his heel turn SummerSlam weekend, Heyman spoke poetically about the connection Cena has formed with the audience and why he’s glad Cena got to do it.
“I think John Cena abandoned the heel Cena character the Friday night before SummerSlam,” Paul Heyman said. “[Was it a mistake to turn him?] No. [Did it go as you thought it would?] No, because it opened my eyes to the fact that this is an audience that is here to see stars and performances. As much as they are rooted into the storylines, they are there to appreciate the twisted performance art known as professional wrestling in WWE.
“And here’s how I knew that. The moment John Cena comes out, that place went nuts. Star pop of a magnitude few have ever experienced. Rarified air, what we in the business used to call the Road Warrior pop. I mean, when his music hit Austin, Rock, Roman Reigns, that level, right? And then once he’s out on the stage, [sings] John Cena sucks. John Cena sucks, right?
“And they’re booing them, and they’re telling them that he sucks, and it wasn’t even 50/50 anymore. Let’s go, Cena. Cena sucks. It was now 1/3, maybe 20% let’s go Cena. Cena sucks. Let’s go Cena, Cena sucks. Boo him out of the building as a heel, and the moment they saw the red light go off and they knew the show was over and he’s standing there in the ring, they all gave him a standing ovation because it’s his last time as an in-ring performer in that city, and they’re all chanting, thank you, Cena.
“So the audience knew their role, and that’s fascinating to watch, that the audience now understands their role in all of this. And I saw that curve coming, but not to the degree or that it happened so expeditiously, but the picture-perfect example of it is the reaction to heel Cena. Okay, we’re here for this ride. All right. Oh, he’s here. That’s John Cena. That’s a huge star. I’m seeing him live. You suck. But when the show’s over, thank you, Cena! It was just fascinating to watch. I’m glad he got to do it too, because I hate what-ifs.”
READ MORE: John Cena & Cody Rhodes Slyly Pay Tribute To Hulk Hogan On WWE SmackDown
What do you make of Paul Heyman’s comments? Are you happy that John Cena’s heel run has ended? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
If you use any of these quotes, please credit Ariel Helwani with a link to this article for the transcription.
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