We Got a John Cena Heel Turn Before GTA 6 — and He’s in on the Meme

John Cena's surprise heel turn at WWE Elimination Chamber wasn't just a wrestling event; it became a meme. The long-awaited release of GTA 6 has spawned countless jokes about things happening before its arrival, and Cena's dramatic shift from beloved "good guy" to villain after two decades perfectly fits the bill.

The 12-year wait for GTA 6 has created a running gag highlighting unexpected events preceding its release. Cena's heel turn—a shocking narrative change many deemed impossible—became a prime example. The much-loved wrestler and actor, known for his Make-A-Wish record, unexpectedly embraced the "bad guy" persona, beating GTA 6 to the punch.

Aware of the meme, Cena playfully engaged on Instagram, posting a GTA 6 image alongside its 2025 release date for his 21 million followers. This wasn't a GTA 6 casting announcement, but rather a lighthearted acknowledgment of the online humor.

While Cena's post was clearly meme-related, some speculate it holds cryptic meaning. Given the lengths GTA fans go to decipher release dates and trailers, such speculation is understandable.

John Cena's villainous era predates GTA 6, but the game's release is on the horizon, with Take-Two Interactive confirming a Fall 2025 launch window.

In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer attempted to explain the staggered release of GTA 6 (PS5/Xbox first, then PC), urging PC gamers to be patient.

Further information on GTA 6 includes Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's response to concerns about GTA Online's future following GTA 6's launch.