The WWE fans in Montreal treated John Cena like a conquering hero when he kicked off tonight’s (Aug. 8) episode of SmackDown with his final appearance there. It was like John never turned heel at all this year as he ran down to the ring and exchanged emotional thank-yous with the audience.

The age of John Cena as a heel officially seems to be over. During tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, Cena seemingly turned babyface, in a heartfelt moment with Cody Rhodes in the ring. The show opened tonight with Cena and Rhodes facing off in the ring.

The 48-year-old could call The American Nightmare a worthy successor to the Undisputed WWE Championship and admit Rhodes helped him reconnect with his babyface roots. He could close by backing Rhodes to lead the company with the title on his shoulder.