John Cena’s farewell tour hit a bump at the Royal Rumble.
The wrestler-turned-actor is back in WWE this year for what he’s confirmed is his ‘farewell tour’ as he prepares to bring down the curtain on an iconic career.
Many fans have speculated that Cena might be given the ultimate send-off, with a historic 17th world championship run that would finally see him break a tie with Ric Flair.
If he wanted to capture the title at WrestleMania, he could have guaranteed a shot at doing just that by winning the Royal Rumble.
While he was one of the last two standing in Saturday’s match, things didn’t work out the way he had hoped.
After he and Jey Uso dispatched Logan Paul, the pair found themselves teetering on the apron, outside of the ropes – a very dangerous position to be in during a rumble match.
Cena then went to lift Uso onto his shoulders for his ‘Attitude Adjustment’ finisher, but his opponent slipped back into the ring, before pushing the 16-time champion to the floor to eliminate him.
With a simple shove, Uso secured himself the biggest match of his career, and simultaneously thwarted Cena’s plans of headlining WrestleMania.
The pair shared a hug and a handshake in the ring after Uso’s shock win, and after the show went off the air, Cena spoke to reporters at a press conference in Indianapolis.
He was expected to address the WWE Universe and answer questions about the match and his future.
But instead, Cena delivered a promo that teased a heel turn, suggesting that he’s done trying to tow the company line and wants to use his final year to do ‘what’s best for business’.
“In the 23 years I’ve been in this business, I know there are different perspectives about my path. But the truth is I’ve never used my opportunities for a spot I haven’t earned,” he began.
“Tonight was special for many reasons, but it has begun to sink in that it was my last Royal Rumble, and in Las Vegas, when looking at the sign, when it was down to two, and I had a moment to let the energy sink in, I realize that Las Vegas is my last WrestleMania.
“The last time I main evented a WrestleMania was 2013. That’s a long time ago. The reason that hasn’t been at the forefront in my mind, I’ve been a gimmick, I’ve been the first match, I’ve been in the middle, I’ve shared beers with the fans, because my truth, my perspective is I’ve always done what’s best for business.
“Tonight, standing in that ring, I wanted this experience to be a tour of good will. I’ve openly admitted I don’t know how much I have left in the tank, and I just want to do something that would be nice for all of us to get together and have a good time.
“Unfortunately tonight, it dawned on me that that’s not best for business. What is best for business is I main event WrestleMania, and what is best for business is, for the first time, I confidently say that I’m gonna win a 17th championship.”
Cena then went on to declare that he will compete at the Elimination Chamber event and try to secure his spot in the main event of ‘Mania that way.
He continued: “I’m saying that because after 23 years of loyal service to this company, I feel that opportunity is earned.
“Yes, I’m flying back to Hungary to film a movie, so what I’m going to do is give my five other opponents one month to slander my name and bolster their self-confidence the best that I can.
“I told Toronto, when I announced my retirement, that I was grateful for the city, and I would be back. And I will be back to kick a**. It is time to walk that talk, and be who I say I am.
“I am going to the Elimination Chamber to win, and I’m going to main event my final appearance in WrestleMania, and win a 17th championship, because that’s what’s best for business.
“And I say that because it is not best for my ego, it is not best for my business. I have built my existence here off of hard work, loyalty to this company, and respect for all of its branches.
“I will win 17 not for me, I will win 17 to someday shake the hand of the person who wins 18. Thank you very much.”
Footage of Cena’s press conference was soon shared across social media, with many fans suggesting he had just cut the ‘promo of the year’.
In suggesting he will do what’s ‘best for business’ moving forward, the long-time face of WWE appeared to tease a heel turn.
That phrase was often associated with Vince McMahon and the idea that he would prioritize actions or decisions that would generate the most profit for the company, even if that meant sacrificing a wrestler’s popularity or storyline.
Cena, of course, never took on a heel persona during his run with WWE, but he apparently did come very close on one occasion.
He revealed last year that there was a plan to turn him heel during his 2011 feud against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
“I got word that they were gonna do it,” Cena said.
“I went out and recorded a new song. I went out and got all new gear… I was ready to go and already thinking about what I can do with the story.”
The decision was ultimately made not to turn Cena all those years ago, and while it wouldn’t make much sense to make him a bad guy for the final year of his career, fans couldn’t help speculating about his promo.
“Was that heel John Cena? Holy s*** that was an all-time promo from him,” one said of his press conference.
“Is it just me or did this John Cena promo sound pretty heelish?” another asked.
“Are we finally doing it?”
Only time will tell what WWE’s plan for Cena moving forward will be. But all eyes will no doubt be on his appearance at Elimination Chamber in March.