The Rock Wanted Cody Rhodes To Turn Heel But Idea Was Turned Down

Reports from the wrestling community suggest that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson initially wanted Cody Rhodes to turn heel as part of the build-up to WrestleMania 41

However, Cody Rhodes rejected this idea, and as a result, plans shifted to turn John Cena into a heel instead.

The Rock had envisioned aligning himself with Rhodes in a heel role

But Rhodes' refusal led to Cena becoming the second choice for the heel turn

This decision was influenced by WWE's view of Rhodes as a top babyface, with a heel turn potentially harming the company's momentum and Rhodes' legacy.

Cody Rhodes' rejection of the heel turn proposal was significant because he is currently seen as the face of the company

Having main-evented recent WrestleManias and being the Undisputed WWE Champion

His popularity and merchandise sales also played a role in WWE's decision to keep him as a babyface

The eventual heel turn by John Cena at Elimination Chamber 2025 was a major storyline twist, setting up a championship match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41.