John Cena is currently sidelined because of a torn labrum that usually takes six to nine months to heal, and his absence has been felt by the World Wrestling Entertainment. According to Daily Wrestling News, a heel turn may be in the works for the 15-time WWE champion once he returns sometime in the summer.

The report added that Cena's merchandise sales have been down compared to last year, causing the WWE Shop to have an overstock of his designs. The 38-year-old superstar is still the company's top seller in terms of merchandise, but the decrease in sales are making backstage officials worried.

There is a belief inside the WWE that Cena's fans are growing older, making them less interested in his very colorful merchandise. It is also mentioned that his sales on kids merchandise have also declined in the past years with many speculating that a heel turn may be coming.

Forbes mentioned in a report earlier this February that the low rating of Monday Night RAW can also be a contributing factor to Cena's possible heel turn. WWE is reportedly looking for a "major shake-up" but wants the turn to be perfect, just like the way Hulk Hogan turned evil and formed the "nWo" in 1996.

Hogan's heel turn shocked the wrestling world back then, which kickstarted the famous "Monday Night Wars" between WWE and WCW. The plan is to have Cena remain popular with the audience so that his merchandise sales stay consistent.

In a report by Inquisitr, WWE is reluctant to turn heel mainly because Cena's sales are always off the charts and for his dedication and partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation. However, the report point out that Cena can still do charity works even if his character is a heel because people know that he's really a great person in real life.

The "Cenation" leader revealed during his appearance in Chris Jericho's podcast last year that there was a brief discussion about turning him heel during his program with The Rock. "It was discussed briefly, with the program with The Rock. I got new theme music, got new gear made," Cena said as quoted by Wrestle Zone.

"It's not like I am not ready for it. I am just trying to do my job the best I can. If it happened, I thought it would be great. It would be great for me to be able to do that, but it is so rewarding to me to go out there and be inspirational," he added.

Cena last turned heel in 2003 when he was still in his "Doctor of Thuganomics" gimmick. Daily Wrestling News also noted WWE officials are also worried that Cena's successor, Roman Reigns is not connecting to the fans as much as they have hoped for.