John Cena pays tribute to Hulk Hogan on SmackDown

John Cena paid tribute to Hulk Hogan during a recent WWE SmackDown episode.

John Cena and Cody Rhodes Show Respect to Hulk Hogan on WWE SmackDown

In a memorable moment on WWE SmackDown, John Cena appeared to shift back into a babyface role while giving a nod to Hulk Hogan. The show featured a face-off between Cena and Cody Rhodes, who is set to battle Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Rhodes, impressed by Cena's speech, raised a toast with a can of Hulk Hogan's Real American Beer. This playful gesture marked an indirect tribute to the wrestling icon, coming in the wake of recent episodes that have subtly recognized Hogan's legacy. Viewers of SmackDown witnessed this blend of nostalgia and respect without overtly stating it, suggesting WWE's careful navigation around honoring its legends without overshadowing current storylines.

The tribute by Cena and Rhodes reflects an ongoing trend in wrestling where current stars acknowledge the past heroes of the sport. This kind of homage strengthens the connection between generations of fans as well as wrestlers. While WWE continues to evolve its storylines, moments like these serve to remind viewers of the foundation laid by legends like Hulk Hogan. Cena embracing a babyface persona again also creates intrigue as he heads into a pivotal match against Rhodes, suggesting a potential shift in fan dynamics leading up to SummerSlam.

Highlights

The gentle nod to tradition could impact audience reception at SummerSlam.