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By Andrew Ravens
Contributing Sports Writer
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John Cena currently stands as one of wrestling's biggest names, a fact made even stronger by his seventeenth World Title win at WWE WrestleMania 41. This win came after a shocking heel turn earlier in the year, changing how many WWE fans see him.
At the WWE Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, Cena stunned WWE fans by agreeing to an alliance with The Rock. This happened after Cody Rhodes turned down The Rock's offer to join forces.
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Since that decision, Cena has faced loud boos in every city he visits. This current reaction from WWE fans isn't the first time they have strongly rejected the man known for "Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect."
Back in 2006, John Cena battled Rob Van Dam in the hostile main event of ECW One Night Stand. Every fan in the Hammerstein Ballroom that night was vocally against him.
During a recent appearance at the Philadelphia Fan Expo, Cena recalled that intense night from early in his career. He pointed to one choice he made during the match as particularly unwise.
"I look at the sign and I heard the crowd and I would never do this again, it was the most stupid decision of my life, but I told Rob, 'Hey, let's go out into the audience,'" Cena shared. "I just wanted to see what would happen."
He then took a moment to thank the ECW crowd for their behavior, despite the charged atmosphere. "Thank you everyone in the Hammerstein Ballroom for being professional being great fans and letting me know how you feel here (points at head) and not letting me know how you feel here (gestures with a closed fist) cos I thought I was gonna get my ass kicked but everybody was real nice."
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Cena added more about this risky move to the famously passionate audience. "That's a story I've never told and it's something I'm like 'Hey, man, let's just go out and see what the audience is all about.' What a stupid choice. I should never have done that, but everyone treated me with kindness."
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Despite being the current Undisputed WWE Champion, John Cena is on a planned farewell tour. He announced at last year's Money In The Bank event that his final run as an active wrestler would conclude by the end of 2025, with WrestleMania 41 being a key, triumphant stop where he won his latest title.
This news about his upcoming retirement surprised many in the wrestling world at the time. In a later talk, Cena explained his reasons for deciding to hang up his boots as he feels like has has lost a step.
More WWE News:
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- WWE Hall Of Famer Returns In Backstage Role
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
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