John Cena Sr. says he’s disappointed with handling of son’s WWE heel turn

John Cena Sr. says there are some aspects of his son’s WWE retirement tour that have disappointed him.

The father of the 17-time World Champion appeared as a guest on UnSKripted with Dr. Chris Featherstone recently. Cena Sr. spoke about the handling of Cena’s heel turn and his match against Brock Lesnar at WWE Wrestlepalooza.

Cena Sr. called his son’s match against Lesnar a “squash” and said the images of crying children shown during the event were “not how you want business to go.”

“That was a squash match,” Cena Sr. said.

“A smart thing would have been at some point maybe we had an outside interference. Maybe we had a – I don’t like countouts – but the outside interference setting up the next match with Cena, whomever that might have been.“

“When I saw those kids crying, that is not the way you want to have business go,” he added.

Earlier in the interview, Cena Sr. discussed his son’s heel turn, saying the start of the angle was great but was hurt when The Rock and Travis Scott seemingly disappeared after.

“Turning John Cena heel was a great idea. The shock factor was great. But I think the storyline was destroyed. And that was a very poor move in my opinion because it was a big gamble for everyone that was involved. And to see how it started and then to see the characters who were involved no longer be present, well, the heel turn almost became non-essential.“

“That was something I really wasn’t too hyped up on,” he added.

However, Cena Sr. said there have been several positive aspects of Cena’s WWE retirement tour. He noted that turning him back babyface just before SummerSlam was done well.

“I think the positive aspects of this is the face turn. I think that was a real positive move. I think they did it at the right time. I just think that what he’s done and what he’s doing and the legacy he will leave behind is really positive because if you listen to what he has to say, it’s not about John Cena. Part of it is he’s thanking the fans and he said it’s my turn to leave so some of the great young talent in the back can come forward.”

Other than the negatives he mentioned, Cena Sr. feels his son’s WWE retirement tour has gone well.

“I think it’s been a good tour. I think it’s been well done except for those instances that I mentioned.”

Cena Sr’s full appearance on the show is available below.