John Cena executed his first heel turn in more than two decades at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, aligning with The Rock to launch a savage assault on Cody Rhodes following the main event in Toronto.
The 16-time world champion claimed victory in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, but it was his actions after the contest that sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world. Cena’s character shift marks a dramatic departure from his longtime fan-favorite persona established since 2005.
Earlier in the night, Drew McIntyre suffered a surprising early elimination, becoming the first competitor removed from the Chamber match after being pinned by Damian Priest with a roll-up. The Scottish Warrior immediately retaliated by delivering a Claymore Kick to Priest, which subsequently enabled Logan Paul to eliminate the Judgment Day member.
Following the shocking post-match attack on Rhodes, Drew McIntyre took to social media to express his thoughts on both his own defeat and Cena’s unexpected betrayal.
Cena the Hypocrite. Travis Scott existing. And another roll up.
The brief but pointed message from McIntyre referenced his growing frustration with being defeated by roll-up pins, while also labeling the newly-turned Cena a “hypocrite” – likely alluding to Cena’s long-standing position as WWE’s premier babyface who preached values of hustle, loyalty, and respect.
McIntyre’s elimination and subsequent attack on Priest appears to be advancing a storyline between the two competitors. Their escalating tension has been building over several weeks, with their Elimination Chamber interaction potentially setting the stage for a confrontation at WrestleMania 41.
The events in Toronto have dramatically altered WWE’s landscape heading into WrestleMania season, with Cena’s shocking alignment with The Rock creating an unexpected dynamic as the company builds toward its premier annual showcase.
Cena the Hypocrite
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) March 2, 2025
Travis Scott existing
And another roll up pic.twitter.com/Nam61eGV2V