JBL Reveals Vince McMahon’s Hesitation to Turn John Cena Heel, Citing Steve Austin’s 2001 Precedent

According to JBL, Vince McMahon declined to turn John Cena heel, citing a prior lesson learned from Steve Austin’s 2001 heel turn.

During an episode of Something to Wrestle, Conrad Thompson queried whether McMahon orchestrated the Invasion angle in response to the perceived failure of Austin’s turn, which unfolded at WrestleMania 17 in April 2001, when Austin allied with McMahon to defeat The Rock for the WWF Championship. JBL subsequently referenced Cena in the discussion.

JBL offered direct insight, stating, ‘You wonder why they never turned Cena? Because they turned Austin, and the merchandise numbers were staggering. Vince clearly absorbed the lesson. I was present in numerous meetings where the idea was pitched, and Vince’s response was absolute: “No, absolutely not. Never going to happen.” He was adamant that the company would not repeat the Austin scenario.’

JBL further noted that McMahon harbored confidence in his ability to elevate acquired WCW talent independently, asserting, ‘I think Vince thought he could make something out of anything.’ He claimed Vince paid little attention to other promotions, believing established stars like himself and his peers remained superior. JBL suggested this mindset extended to talent such as Sting, Kevin, and Goldberg, calling it a strategic misstep.

Cena’s eventual heel turn did not occur until March 2025 at Elimination Chamber, where he attacked Cody Rhodes and aligned with The Rock. This shift transpired over a year after McMahon’s departure from WWE and TKO in January 2024. Cena subsequently retired from in-ring competition in December 2025.

Source link