Reality Check Volume 2: Why John Cena Should Never Give Up His Character

First of all, I would just like to say that I, like many of you reading the article, am awaiting that fateful day when John Cena will make what appears to be a long overdue heel turn. I completely agree that his character and gimmick of a never give up Superman is old and is desperate need of a revamp. The sea of disdain which faces Cena has every right to be critical of him; he is not the best wrestler, his constantly coming out on top is infuriating and his fan base primarily constituting a young age group can easily turn one away from the "face" of the WWE.

However, it is the last point which I feel must be evaluated before considering whether a Cena heel turn would be worthwhile. Cena's fan base amongst the youngest of WWE fans numbers in perhaps the millions and the effect of what could be their role model turning his back on them could be truly harrowing to them. We all saw how the kids at the Hell in a Cell PPV reacted when Cena was forced into servitude by Wade Barrett and while it was funny, it was nonetheless sad seeing how heartbroken and crestfallen some of them were.

If Cena were to make a full blown heel turn, how do you think they would react? If any one of your role models was to make a full blown character change what would your natural reaction be, particularly if you were a child? Would you emulate this new darker character or suffer the potential emotional trauma that could follow? But the main crux of my argument was stimulated today by John Cena's greatest accolade: recently, he completed his 200th Make-A-Wish wish. 

For those of you who do not know about the Make-A-Wish foundation, they are an extremely charitable group who grant wishes to children with severe and life threatening illnesses, and John Cena is one of their most dedicated ambassadors and gives much of his time to enriching the lives of these children. He has proven time and again to be an inspirational source of resolve to many children in need, and a heel turn would likely reduce or eliminate his ability to continue his work for the foundation.

The consequential effects of these kids seeing their hero go out and go against everything he told them to believe in would perhaps be devastating, and any pleasure that the rest of us may derive from it would be swiftly undone by the sorrows of children. So therefore, I make a plea to WWE to not turn John Cena heel on account of those who look up to him, as it is their moral duty to continue to allow him to be an inspiration to children around the world. There's a sentence I never thought I would ever say.

If WWE ever does decide to make Cena into a heel, may I recommend a replacement as the face of the company? A certain straight-edge superstar perhaps...

Thanks for reading and comments appreciated, let me know what you think below.