John Cena was serious about 'Heel' turn against The Rock
In his recent WWE Network interview with Chris Jericho, John Cena said he was serious about turning heel during his first feud with The Rock, and even spent thousands on new ring gear and merchandise designs. He even had new entrance music recorded.
The Wrestling Observer notes that when it was decided to keep him face, he quickly cancelled his ring-gear order and donated the money so those in developmental could get new gear instead. Each week the rookie who stood out the most was given $500 for new gear, until the $5,000 had all been spent. This was Cena’s own money.
During the interview he said he has never been opposed to turning heel, but he will only do it if somebody can replace him as the children’s idol, and prove that they can do just as much as he does.