According to a report, WWE first went to Cody Rhodes and asked if he'd like to turn heel and join The Rock. The American Nightmare said no, allowing John Cena to say yes when he was approached.

John Cena turned heel at EC 2025 (Credits: WWEAustralia & WWEDeutschland on X/Twitter) Cody Rhodes had a night to ... was at the 2023 Backlash PLE in Puerto Rico, where he faced Damian Priest ...