The WWE Universe is still reeling from John Cena’s shocking heel turn at the Elimination Chamber on March 1, 2025, where the 16-time world champion betrayed Cody Rhodes and aligned himself with The Rock, marking his first villainous role in over two decades. However, it was Cena’s scathing promo on the March 17 episode of Monday Night Raw in Brussels, Belgium, that truly set the wrestling world ablaze. During the segment, Cena, now embracing his darker persona, lashed out at the WWE Universe, calling his 25-year relationship with fans “abusive” and accusing them of treating him like a “puppet.” In a moment that quickly went viral, Cena singled out a young fan in the front row, wearing a red John Cena t-shirt emblazoned with “The Last Time Is Now,” and delivered a harsh critique, say ing, “Everybody, including that one kid, is in a toxic, dysfunctional relationship. You have made me the butt of a stupid invisible joke for 15 years, and you still think it’s funny! It’s pathetic!” The camera zoomed in on the boy, whose expression of disappointment captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. What no one expected, however, was the kid’s heartfelt response a week later, which has since surprised and inspired American wrestling fans everywhere.

The young fan, 14-year-old Liam Berkowitz from Antwerp, Belgium, became an overnight sensation after the incident. Social media platforms lit up with reactions, with many fans expressing sympathy for the boy, whose hero had just shattered his admiration on live television. Posts on X described the moment as “cinema,” with some users joking that Cena had started a “Break-A-Wish Foundation,” a play on his record of granting over 650 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Others, however, praised Cena’s ability to fully commit to his heel persona, noting how his cold delivery and uncharacteristic aggression—especially toward a child—made the promo one of the most memorable in recent WWE history. The wrestling community was divided: some saw it as a heartbreaking betrayal of Cena’s legacy as a role model, while others viewed it as a masterclass in storytelling, setting the stage for his WrestleMania 41 showdown with Cody Rhodes.

On March 26, Liam shared his response in a TikTok video that quickly gained traction, amassing over 2 million views in just a few days. Speaking with a maturity beyond his years, the young fan explained his perspective on the incident. “John Cena pointed his finger at me, and I was honored,” Liam said, his voice steady despite the emotional weight of the moment. “I didn’t know he was going to shit on me, but I understood he was in character. To me, John Cena will always be a hero.” His words struck a chord with wrestling fans across the United States, who were moved by his ability to separate Cena’s on-screen persona from the man he has idolized since he was four years old. Liam’s response highlighted a deep understanding of professional wrestling’s scripted nature, a perspective that many adult fans sometimes struggle to maintain in the heat of such dramatic storylines.

Liam’s reaction has sparked widespread admiration for his sportsmanship and resilience. In the video, he revealed that he has been a Cena fan for a decade, often wearing his merchandise to school and even dressing as “The Doctor of Thuganomics” for Halloween. Despite the harsh words, Liam emphasized that he still looks up to Cena for his real-life contributions, particularly his work with Make-A-Wish, which has inspired Liam to volunteer at local charities in Belgium. “I know John Cena doesn’t really hate me,” he said with a smile. “He’s playing the bad guy, and he’s really good at it. I can’t wait to see him at WrestleMania.” His positivity and forgiveness have resonated deeply, with many American fans taking to social media to praise his maturity. One user on X wrote, “This kid gets wrestling better than most of us. He’s a true fan.”

Cena’s heel turn has been a polarizing move, especially as he approaches the end of his in-ring career. The 47-year-old announced his retirement tour last year, with his final WWE match scheduled for December 2025. His decision to turn heel, aligning with The Rock and targeting Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, has added a layer of complexity to his farewell run. During the Brussels promo, Cena declared he was no longer a babyface or a heel but a “human being,” tired of the fans’ demands. He has since doubled down on his villainous role, proclaiming on the March 24 episode of Raw in Glasgow that he intends to “ruin wrestling” by winning his 17th world championship at WrestleMania 41 and leaving with the title, forcing WWE to create a new one. This bold claim, coupled with his attack on Liam’s “pathetic” fandom, has only intensified the anticipation for his clash with Rhodes in Las Vegas on April 20.

Liam’s response has added a new dimension to this storyline, reminding fans of the human element behind the spectacle. While Cena’s heel run continues to generate heat—evident in the 94% negative sentiment toward him in South Dakota, according to a VegasInsider study—Liam’s grace under pressure has won him a legion of supporters. Some fans are even calling for WWE to bring Liam to WrestleMania 41, hoping he might get a chance to meet Cena in person and perhaps receive an on-screen acknowledgment from his hero. As the road to WrestleMania heats up, Liam Berkowitz has become an unexpected symbol of what it means to be a true wrestling fan: someone who can embrace the story, endure the heartbreak, and still find joy in the journey.