John Cena Reignites Babyface Persona in Emotional Promo – During the August 1, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, John Cena returned to familiar territory with a heartfelt in-ring promo that shifted his character back to a babyface role ahead of his Undisputed WWE Championship Street Fight against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.
Addressing Cody directly, Cena began by revisiting recent events: “You didn’t listen,” he said, referring to Cody forging his signature and forcing him into one of WWE’s most dangerous matches on one of the biggest stages. But instead of expressing anger, Cena surprised everyone by saying, “Thank you.”
He explained that being pushed into this match was exactly the motivation he needed. “For 25 years, I forged a reputation on hustle, loyalty, and respect. Then I threw it all away five months ago for shocking TV,” Cena admitted, referencing his recent heel turn. He added that after the dust settled, his team abandoned him, leaving him to “pretend to be something [he’s] not.”
Cena then got emotional, stating his true desire going into SummerSlam: “I want to leave here with this title after my last match. Not because I want to ruin wrestling. I love wrestling. I want to take it home so you don’t forget about me when I’m gone.”
Acknowledging Cody’s tough love, Cena said, “You did what a friend would do. You forced me into a fight—something that’s going to be brutal and force me to dig deep and be who I really am.” He added that if he’s not ready to show up for war, he shouldn’t show up at all.
“August 1st is the day that John Cena came back to WWE,” he declared, cementing the moment as a turning point in his storyline arc.
Cena ended by saying, “I don’t know who leaves with the title on Sunday, but I know who wins—each and every one of you.” He promised Cody would be facing the greatest of all time at his best, closing with his iconic line: “If you want some, come get some. The Champ is here.”
Cody responded by removing his track jacket, cracking open two beers, and handing one to Cena. The two then shared a handshake and toasted, closing out the segment on a moment of mutual respect—setting the stage for a personal and intense battle at SummerSlam.
John Cena Reignites Babyface Persona in Emotional Promo
