John Cena debuts as a heel in Brussels

forbes.com

WWE Raw took place in Brussels on March 17, 2025, featuring exciting matches and the much-anticipated debut of a heel version of John Cena. Fans had a mixed reaction, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric. John Cena opened the show with a new heel persona. He faced cheers and boos from the crowd as he referred to himself as a victim of fan expectations. Cena argued that he would not change for the audience. Cody Rhodes interrupted him, sparking a heated exchange. Rhodes boldly challenged Cena, promising to retire him early at WrestleMania 41. This segment earned high praise, receiving an A+ grade. In the night’s matches, Penta defeated Ludwig Kaiser in a No Holds Barred bout. Although the match had great moments, it didn't fully utilize the no holds barred rules. Penta won with a Mexican Destroyer on a chair, and later expressed his desire for the Intercontinental Title. Dakota Kai won against Ivy Nile after a distraction involving Chad Gable. The crowd popped when LWO entered the ring, and the distraction led to Dakota securing her victory. This match received a B- grade. The contract signing between Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky brought tension to the evening. Iyo declared she would retain her title, while Bianca declared she would win. Rhea Ripley joined the fray, creating chaos and ending the segment with her own signing. This moment was rated B. Jey Uso had a quick victory over Austin Theory. Following the match, he intercepted the world title from GUNTHER, thrilling the audience before returning it. This segment earned a grade of C. Later, LWO faced American Made in a tag match, showcasing impressive moves from both teams. LWO took the win, earning a solid B+. Seth Rollins performed a promo that entertained the crowd but felt somewhat unnecessary. He touched on CM Punk and Roman Reigns, but much of the content seemed better suited for another day. This promo was given a grade of B-. In the main event, Bron Breakker defeated Finn Balor for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Despite Judgment Day's interference, Bron managed to secure the victory. Penta made an appearance afterward, hinting at a future match between him and Breakker, enhancing the drama of the evening. This main event also received a B+ grade.


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Timeline:

    [1.3]
    John Cena's promo gained 1.5 million views quickly (forbes.com)
    1h
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    [1.4]
    John Cena delivers shocking heel promo in Brussels (news.yahoo.com)
    1h
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    [0.8]
    John Cena confronts fans after WWE RAW promo in Brussels (comingsoon.net)
    1h
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    [1.6]
    John Cena delivers shocking heel promo in Brussels (independent.co.uk)
    1h
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    [1.2]
    John Cena debuts heel persona during farewell tour (hindustantimes.com)
    2h
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    [1.3]
    Penta wins no-holds-barred match in Brussels, Belgium (comingsoon.net)
    3h
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    [1.0]
    R-Truth defends John Cena after fan backlash in Brussels (comingsoon.net)
    3h
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    [1.5]
    John Cena confronts fans and warns Cody Rhodes (news18.com)
    4h
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    [1.3]
    John Cena returned as a heel without a new look (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
    4h
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    [1.2]
    John Cena returned as a heel in Belgium (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
    5h
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    [1.7]
    John Cena ends relationship with fans on WWE RAW (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
    5h
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    [1.0]
    WWE pleased with fan reaction to John Cena's promo (comingsoon.net)
    5h
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    [1.3]
    John Cena debuts as a heel in Brussels (forbes.com)
    10h
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    [1.2]
    John Cena debuts new entrance in Brussels after heel turn (sportbible.com)
    10h
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    [1.2]
    WWE's RAW airs afternoons for U.S. viewers during tour (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
    11h
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    [1.2]
    John Cena turns heel, embraces negative fan reactions (timesnownews.com)
    11h
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    [1.4]
    John Cena declares breakup with WWE fans in Brussels (nypost.com)
    11h
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    [1.1]
    John Cena debuts as a heel in Brussels event (news.yahoo.com)
    12h
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    [1.3]
    John Cena announces WWE departure, cites abusive relationship (comicbook.com)
    12h
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    [1.9]
    John Cena's heel turn shocks WWE fans in Brussels (usatoday.com)
    12h
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    [1.3]
    John Cena discusses heel turn at Brussels WWE event (givemesport.com)
    14h
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    [1.2]
    John Cena clashes with Cody Rhodes on WWE Raw (yardbarker.com)
    14h
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    [0.7]
    John Cena's cryptic posts spark fan speculation (wrestlezone.com)
    15h
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    [1.1]
    WWE fans connect Cena and Rock's storyline to 2021 (talksport.com)
    18h
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    [1.0]
    WWE Raw features top stars in Brussels tonight (nypost.com)
    19h
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    [1.0]
    John Cena returns to WWE Raw on March 18 (timesnownews.com)
    20h
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    [1.4]
    John Cena returns to WWE Monday Night RAW in Brussels (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
    20h
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    [1.3]
    WWE Monday Night Raw features Cena's return in Brussels (standard.co.uk)
    1d 15h
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    [1.3]
    WWE Monday Night Raw features John Cena's return in Belgium (news.yahoo.com)
    1d 15h
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    [1.6]
    John Cena will return to WWE on Monday Night Raw (timesnownews.com)
    1d 18h
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