The wrestling world is still reeling from John Cena’s unexpected heel turn, prompting fans to draw parallels with Hulk Hogan’s iconic shift at WCW Bash at the Beach in 1996. But which turn will leave a deeper mark on the industry? WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray believes Hogan’s transformation will ultimately carry more weight.
“Hogan’s heel turn, I think, will outshine Cena’s because I don’t see Cena’s being a long-term thing,” Ray explained on “Busted Open Radio.” “Hogan’s switch will have a bigger impact on wrestling as a whole, while Cena’s will matter more to Cody [Rhodes] specifically.”
For 15 years, Hogan was the quintessential fan favorite, a beloved figure across promotions like the American Wrestling Association (AWA), WCW, and WWE—where he arguably became the company’s defining star. That all changed in July 1996 at WCW Bash at the Beach, when Hogan revealed himself as the mystery partner of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.
Dropping a pair of Atomic Leg Drops on Randy Savage, he then proclaimed the trio as “the new world order of wrestling,” kicking off the legendary New World Order (NWO) era.
Cena’s heel turn, by contrast, comes after a 21-year run as a babyface, with his sights set on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The two, now slated to face off at WrestleMania 41, will share the spotlight again on tomorrow’s “WWE Raw” in Brussels.
Yet, as Ray noted, doubts linger about how long Cena’s heel persona will last, especially with his in-ring career set to conclude by the end of 2025.
FAQs
Who had a more impactful heel turn, John Cena or Hulk Hogan?
According to WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, Hulk Hogan’s heel turn at WCW Bash at the Beach 1996 had a bigger impact on the wrestling industry than John Cena’s recent heel turn. Hogan’s turn led to the formation of the New World Order (NWO) and changed the direction of wrestling history, while Cena’s heel turn, though shocking, may not be long-term.
Why is Hulk Hogan’s heel turn considered legendary?
Hulk Hogan’s heel turn is considered legendary because it led to the creation of the NWO, which became one of the most famous factions in wrestling history. It also marked a major shift in the wrestling world, sparking the Monday Night Wars between WCW and WWE.
Who did John Cena turn heel against?
John Cena turned heel against Cody Rhodes, setting up a major feud that will lead to a match at WrestleMania 41. This is Cena’s first major heel turn after 21 years as a top babyface in WWE.
Will John Cena’s heel turn last long?
It is unclear if John Cena’s heel turn will be permanent. Since Cena plans to retire from in-ring competition by the end of 2025, many believe this heel run may be short-lived and mainly serve his storyline with Cody Rhodes.
Where did Bully Ray share his opinion on Cena and Hogan’s heel turns?
Bully Ray shared his thoughts on the comparison between John Cena’s and Hulk Hogan’s heel turns during an episode of Busted Open Radio.
