Eric Bischoff Pulls No Punches: Why John Cena’s Heel Turn Fell Flat—And the One WWE Farewell He Wants to See Next
John Cena turning heel should have been one of the most jaw-dropping moments in WWE history. Instead, according to Eric Bischoff, it left fans wanting more — a lot more.
Speaking on the latest episode of 83 Weeks, the former WCW boss gave an honest breakdown of what went wrong with Cena’s long-awaited dark turn, why it never fully landed, and which WWE legend he believes truly deserves a grand retirement tour in 2026.
What John Cena’s Heel Turn Was Missing
Bischoff didn’t mince words when reflecting on Cena’s shocking switch.
He admitted the moment itself had potential—especially the now-famous hug and glance over the shoulder—but felt WWE skipped the most important part: the journey.
According to Bischoff, that single moment could have been iconic if fans had been emotionally guided there. Without subtle hints, tension, or storytelling breadcrumbs along the way, the turn felt abrupt instead of inevitable.
In his words, the disappointment wasn’t about the execution of the moment—it was about the lack of anticipation leading up to it.
“I Just Wanted to Feel Something Was Off”
Bischoff explained that great heel turns don’t scream what’s coming—they whisper it.
He wanted to feel that something about Cena was different without being able to put his finger on it. A slower walk to the ring. A colder look. Commentary planting seeds without spelling anything out. Small details that quietly tell the audience, “Pay attention—something’s changing.”
That kind of storytelling, Bischoff said, is an art form. Not a formula. And WWE, in his view, had all the right people in place to pull it off — which makes the missed opportunity even more confusing.
For a moment as massive as John Cena finally turning heel, Bischoff believes WWE needed a stronger “Act One.” Without it, the payoff just didn’t hit as hard as it should have.
The Retirement Tour Bischoff Really Wants
While discussing missed opportunities, Bischoff also looked ahead — and singled out one WWE superstar he believes deserves a proper farewell.
Randy Orton.
Bischoff praised Orton as an “unbelievable performer” and said if there’s one retirement tour fans should get, it’s The Viper’s. In his mind, Orton has earned a legendary send-off that reflects his consistency, longevity, and impact on the industry.
With Orton’s career winding down, Bischoff sees a 2026 retirement tour as the perfect way to honor one of WWE’s most complete performers ever.
Final Thoughts
John Cena’s heel turn had all the ingredients to be unforgettable—but according to Eric Bischoff, WWE rushed the reveal and skipped the slow burn that makes moments truly iconic.
And as for the future? If Bischoff gets his wish, Randy Orton’s final run might be the emotional, perfectly crafted story fans have been waiting for.
