Steve Austin Praises John Cena’s Heel Turn As “Breath Of Fresh Air”
WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has offered his endorsement of John Cena’s recent heel turn, calling it a refreshing change and reflecting on his own infamous character shift from over two decades ago.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Steve Austin commended Cena for his legacy and the bold creative direction he’s taken with his character, turning villain at the 2025 Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event.
“John’s had a hell of a damn run and to see what John’s doing and where he’s going right now, I love it,” said Austin. “To see him as a heel is a breath of fresh air to me.”
Cena’s unexpected turn to the dark side has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, with fans and analysts alike weighing in on the implications for his storied career. For Austin, the move appears not only well-timed but also well-executed.
Austin famously turned heel at WrestleMania 17 in 2001, shocking fans by aligning with long-time rival Vince McMahon and defeating The Rock to win the WWE Championship. However, the move was met with backlash, as many fans struggled to accept the shift from the wildly popular anti-hero.
“I tried to turn heel, and that was something that didn’t need to happen. We tried to force that, and it didn’t fit,” Austin admitted. “I think the way John did it, I think it fits.”
Austin’s heel run was brief, ending later that year following Survivor Series. WWE has rarely revisited that storyline, perhaps acknowledging its mixed reception.
How Did Steve Austin Cost Vince McMahon $15,000?
Steve Austin spoke about the time Vince McMahon scolded him for costing him $15,000. Austin recalled making an appearance on an episode of Raw and how he stayed in the ring interacting with the crowd for a very long time, so long in fact that the show ran massively over. When Austin went backstage, he was confronted by Vince McMahon, who was upset with Austin because he had to spend an extra $15,000 to pay staff at the venue who had to stay overtime.
H/t to ITRWrestling.com