Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
On March 17, 2025, Monday Night Raw opened its first-ever show in Brussels, Belgium, with an unexpected turn of events. The familiar sound of "My Time Is Now" played throughout the sold-out Forest National arena; however, instead of the usual cheers and excitement, a wave of boos filled the venue.
As John Cena stepped into the ring, he made an immediate statement—no new music, no new gear and no effort to please the audience. This was just the beginning of something WWE fans had never witnessed before: Cena’s demeanor signaled a transformation, one that would dictate his legacy in ways no one could have predicted.
To fully grasp the significance of Cena’s promo, it needs to be revisited multiple times. His words resonated on different levels, revealing new layers with each listen. At first, it seemed surprising that someone as accomplished as Cena would voice grievances about his career.
He had won countless championships, built a Hollywood career and remained a top star for years. However, as his speech unfolded, a realization emerged—this was not just a heel turn. Cena had played the role of a hero for years, but underneath it all, he had always carried the weight of something more complex. His performance reflected an underlying truth, one that only now he felt comfortable revealing.
Cena’s promo redefined the perception of his career—he stressed how fan expectations and being forced to adapt had shaped him, constantly pressured to change. Despite his evolution from a rapper to the clean-cut face of the company, there were always criticisms.
When he succeeded, it was seen as excessive dominance; when he lost, it was never enough to satisfy his detractors. This new angle provided a fresh view of his history, transforming previous moments into pieces of a larger narrative. His words gave insight into the burdens of being WWE’s top star and how the pressure never truly faded.
Throughout his tenure, Cena experienced both triumphs and setbacks. At ECW One Night Stand in 2006, he lost the WWE Championship to Rob Van Dam. In 2011, he faced CM Punk at Money in the Bank, resulting in Punk’s victory and a historic title reign. SummerSlam 2013 saw him lose the WWE Championship to Daniel Bryan, while the following year, he was defeated by Brock Lesnar in a one-sided match.
In 2016, he was crucial in elevating AJ Styles, proving his career had moved beyond personal success. Though some may argue he overshadowed rising stars, a closer look at his WrestleMania record paints a different picture. Despite being the top star for over a decade, he main-evented WrestleMania only five times, winning three and losing two—paling in comparison to other WWE legends.
As WWE continues to evolve, so does the way fans engage with it—including through sports betting. While WWE outcomes are scripted, sportsbooks have introduced betting options on major events, such as WrestleMania and Royal Rumble, where fans can wager on match results, surprise returns and championship changes.
With the growing interest in wagering on scripted sports entertainment, many are also asking: is sports betting legal in Missouri and other states? Cena’s promo in Brussels added an extra layer of unpredictability, leading to speculation about his future in the ring. Could this shift in character signal a new rivalry or a potential title run? Bettors and fans are now closely watching how WWE’s storytelling unfolds, proving that excitement and stakes remain high.
As Cena’s career progressed, he transitioned into a position focused on elevating others. He put over talent, participated in memorable matches and even allowed himself to be dominated by The Undertaker at WrestleMania. Despite embracing this role, his promo suggested that fan expectations never truly changed.
Even when he finally turned heel, many still wanted more—new music, new gear a complete transformation. Instead, he firmly asserted his identity, refusing to conform further. This declaration reinforced his message that he had always been in control of his own career, making his development even more compelling. His transformation was not dictated by others but by his own choices.
With Cody Rhodes positioned as the new face of WWE, the contrast between him and Cena adds intrigue to their rivalry. Rhodes represents a new era, blending his AEW experience with WWE’s traditional appeal; however, compared to Cena’s recent promo, his performances have lacked the same level of raw authenticity.
This distinction sets the stage for a compelling feud, with Cena poised to challenge Rhodes on what it truly takes to reach the pinnacle of success. Their impending clash will test Rhodes’ ability to handle the pressures Cena endured for decades, pushing him to prove whether he can truly carry the torch.
Cena’s promo accomplished something remarkable—it reframed 25 years of success and struggle, providing an entirely new perspective on his career. Rather than feeling like an exaggerated storyline, his words carried an undeniable weight, making them feel deeply personal and real.
If he could make fans believe that his journey, despite its achievements, was filled with hardship and sacrifice, then he had succeeded in delivering one of the most impactful promos in wrestling history. This is what makes professional wrestling truly special—its ability to merge reality with fiction in a way that captivates and surprises audiences, no matter how long they have been watching.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
