WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff slammed John Cena’s first promo after turning heel, stating it lacked impact. Last week, John Cena returned to WWE programming for the first time since his shocking heel turn at Elimination Chamber: Toronto.
He wasted no time addressing his actions, including his brutal attack on the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Cena tore into the fans, accusing them of mistreating him for over two decades.
He refused to label himself as a babyface or a heel, insisting he was just a human being whom they had disrespected for years. Making his stance clear, Cena denied that the fans would get a new look or a new theme.
Embracing his heel persona, Cena unleashed years of pent-up frustration. When a young fan at ringside shouted, “I love you,” Cena fired back, coldly dismissing both the child and the WWE fans. He made it clear that the fans meant nothing to him.
While Cena’s promo aimed to establish his new villainous persona, reactions were mixed. Some praised his bold approach, but Eric Bischoff criticized the promo for its lack of depth and emotional impact.
Eric Bischoff calls John Cena’s WWE promo ‘weak’
Eric Bischoff shared his thoughts on John Cena’s first heel promo on 83 Weeks, acknowledging the excitement around Cena’s turn but criticizing it as weak. He stated, “It was exciting, John Cena’s turning heel, oh the potential, but there wasn’t anything dramatic about it other than the fact that he turned heel … the delivery was great but the message was kind of weak for that moment.” [H/T: WrestlingInc]
He also expected Cena to change his look to match his new heel character. But he stated that WWE made the right call by keeping it the same. He believed that changing Cena’s appearance too quickly would have felt inauthentic.
This week, Cena once again blasted the fans, vowing to punish them by ruining wrestling and retiring as WWE Champion. Next week, he will make his final appearance before WrestleMania 41, and it will be interesting to see what he says next.
