John Cena shocked the world last week in a way no one ever thought, especially on the last leg of his WWE career. The Cenation Leader has left “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect” in the rearview and turned heel.
The 16-time World Champion joined forces with The Rock and beat down his opponent for WrestleMania 41, Cody Rhodes, in the closing moments of Elimination Chamber 2025. However, unbeknownst to wrestling fans, the historic moment actually created a new record for Guinness.
John Cena’s heel turn set new Guinness world record?
According to Guinness World Records, John Cena had the longest WWE run as a face before turning heel. It was during the early 2000s that Cena donned the Doctor of Thuganomics moniker and rose to prominence as a captivating heel. Towards the start of 2005, he changed sides en route to his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21. Since then, WWE positioned him as the ultimate good guy for two decades.
As per Guinness, “Whether seen as the heroic figure of the ‘Never Give Up’ mantra or a more complex figure wrestling with his place in the world, Cena’s legacy as the longest-serving WWE face, combined with his ability to turn heel and continue captivating audiences, cements his place as one of the greatest in WWE history.
“His journey serves as a testament to the power of reinvention, and perhaps more than anything else, the lasting connection he has made with his fans.”
Former WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon, was reported to be highly against the idea of Cena turning heel. The only time he came close to embracing the dark side was around 2012, during his feud with The Rock. However, the current regime had a different vision for John Cena as he embarked on his farewell tour.