For over a decade, John Cena was considered the face of WWE, serving as the company’s top star and representing its brand on a global scale. He also had tons of great moments throughout his career along with some of his greatest rivals. Cena’s top rivals who elevated him as the biggest babyface include Randy Orton, Edge, and so on. The Leader of The Cenation has also been swerved and betrayed several times.

Over the course of its history, the WWE has had numerous shocking and memorable swerves throughout its history. Swerves, or unexpected twists, are a common element in professional wrestling storytelling that often leave fans surprised and engaged. However, with countless twists that no one saw coming, one such moment from 2013 involved John Cena and Mark Henry.

During a promo segment on Raw back in June 2013, Cena, who was the WWE Champion at that time was interrupted by the World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry. Nonetheless, it was the same ruthless Henry that everyone expected. Instead, he went on to deliver an emotional speech about his wrestling career, eventually announcing his retirement with tears in his eyes. The moment made fans emotional as well.

Furthermore, the crowd in attendance began chanting “Thank you, Henry” to manifest appreciation and respect towards the former World champion. Cena also extended gratitude by handing him the WWE title belt to pose with it one last time. However, Henry shocked everyone by slamming John Cena and the heartfelt moment turned out to be a swerve. 

Moreover, the shocking moment led to a feud between the two culminating in a bout for the WWE title at Money in the Bank 2013. In conclusion, Cena ended up retaining the title.

Mark Henry played on his family with the swerve on John Cena along with the fans

Although fans were shocked to see Mark Henry turning on John Cena in a shocking fashion, he didn’t even tell his family as well. Henry’s son, Jacob Henry also reacted to the moment saying, “Imagine how I felt being the son, crying a home”. To this, his father responded, “Son… your mother didn’t know, how could I tell you, you were 9 !!!”. Meanwhile, let’s check out how fans on Twitter interpret the moment:

I love this about the promo, man played his own family too pic.twitter.com/VGSpwSTV5D

Considering the reactions of fans, they never saw it coming a decade ago. Following the phenomenal heel turn, the World’s Strongest Man was ready to bring his Hall of Pain one more time. However, a loss to John Cena at the Money in the Bank PLE apparently derailed his momentum and pushed him back.