“He Will Hurt Every Kid…” Baron Corbin Believes Cena’s Heel Turn Is Unthinkable and WWE Is Turning Him Into a “Clown”.

In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through the wrestling world, John Cena, the 16-time WWE World Champion, has undergone a dramatic transformation in 2025, turning heel for the first time in over two decades. This unexpected shift, which occurred at the Elimination Chamber event earlier this year, saw Cena align himself with The Rock and brutally attack Cody Rhodes, leaving fans and insiders alike reeling. While the WWE Universe continues to debate the implications of this move, one former WWE star, Baron Corbin—now performing under the name Bishop Dyer—has voiced strong skepticism about Cena’s new villainous persona. In a recent interview with *Busted Open Radio*, Dyer expressed his disbelief that Cena, a figure long synonymous with positivity and resilience, could convincingly step into the role of a heel. Moreover, he suggested that WWE’s handling of this storyline risks turning Cena into a “clown,” a caricature that could undermine his legacy and alienate his most loyal fans.

Cena’s heel turn came as a seismic shock to the wrestling community. For years, he has been the ultimate babyface—a hero to millions, especially children, who admired his “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” mantra. His promos were filled with encouragement, his merchandise a staple in the hands of young fans at every WWE event. Yet, at Elimination Chamber 2025, that image shattered. After winning the men’s Elimination Chamber match to secure a shot at Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41, Cena stunned the audience by siding with The Rock and attacking Rhodes. The beatdown that followed was ruthless, a stark departure from the Cena fans had known for decades. Since then, Cena has leaned into his new role, delivering scathing promos that blame the WWE Universe for his turn, accusing them of taking him for granted and treating him as an “object” rather than a person.

Bishop Dyer, who spent years in WWE as Baron Corbin, watched this unfold with a mix of surprise and unease. Having crossed paths with Cena during his own tenure, Dyer recalled a conversation that left him convinced a heel turn was unthinkable for the 47-year-old superstar. “I spent time with him, and we talked about a lot of things,” Dyer shared on *Busted Open Radio*. “He’s always been about the fans, especially the kids. He knew what he meant to them. So seeing him do this—it’s hard to wrap my head around.” Dyer’s disbelief stems from Cena’s long-standing commitment to being a role model. Even during his Hollywood rise, Cena made time for Make-A-Wish visits and WWE appearances, reinforcing his image as a beacon of hope. To Dyer, this sudden shift feels forced, as if WWE is pushing Cena into a role that contradicts his core identity.

What’s more, Dyer worries about the impact on Cena’s youngest fans. “He will hurt every kid who looked up to him,” he said bluntly. For years, Cena’s appeal transcended wrestling, resonating with children who saw him as a real-life superhero. His merchandise—brightly colored wristbands, caps, and t-shirts—became symbols of that connection. Now, with Cena embracing a darker, more cynical persona, Dyer fears those same kids will feel betrayed. “You can’t just flip a switch like that and expect them to understand,” he argued. “They’re not going to cheer for this guy who’s suddenly mean and angry. They’ll just be confused—or worse, they’ll turn away.”

Dyer’s critique doesn’t stop at Cena’s character shift. He also questions WWE’s creative direction, suggesting it risks turning Cena into a “clown” rather than a credible villain. “If you’re going to make him a heel, it has to mean something,” Dyer said. “Right now, it feels like they’re just throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. He’s out there in the same gear, with the same music, saying he hates the fans—but it’s not adding up.” Indeed, Cena’s first heel promo on *WWE Raw* in March drew mixed reactions. While his delivery was as sharp as ever, the lack of a new entrance theme or updated look left some fans underwhelmed. For Dyer, this half-hearted approach dilutes the impact of the turn, making Cena seem more like a parody than a threat. “He’s too big a legend for that,” Dyer added. “They’re risking his legacy for a cheap pop.”

As WrestleMania 41 approaches, where Cena will challenge Cody Rhodes for the title, the wrestling world watches with bated breath. Will Cena fully commit to this heel persona, or will WWE pivot back to the heroic figure fans once knew? For Bishop Dyer, the answer is clear: Cena’s heel turn feels like a misstep, one that could damage his bond with the next generation and reduce a titan of the industry to a punchline. Whether WWE proves him wrong remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the John Cena of 2025 is unlike anything we’ve witnessed before, for better or worse.