WWE John Cena Reverts Babyface Ahead SummerSlam Amid Farewell Tour

John Cena recently turned babyface again on WWE SmackDown ahead of SummerSlam 2025, ending his heel run that began at the Elimination Chamber earlier this year. This sudden face turn was partly due to his inability to play a convincing heel, as noted by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, and was marked by Cena graciously raising Cody Rhodes' hand after losing the Undisputed Championship in a Street Fight. Drew McIntyre expressed interest in facing the "real John Cena" now that Cena has reverted to his babyface persona, viewing it as a potential final high-profile match. Meanwhile, the aftermath of Cena’s face turn could bring consequences such as retaliation from The Rock, who had initially influenced his heel turn, and renewed conflict with Randy Orton following personal insults exchanged during their feud. Wrestling commentator Jim Cornette criticized WWE for mishandling Cena's heel run, describing the abrupt face turn as an admission of failure by the company. Cena's farewell tour continues, with a notable upcoming feud anticipated against Brock Lesnar, who made a shocking return at SummerSlam 2025.