One of professional wrestling’s most decorated performers will hang up their boots — or more specifically, sneakers — tonight when John Cena has his final match on WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event special. A fixture of the sport and a documented fan of classic sneakers like Reebok Pumps, Cena will officially retire after 26 years in action. To commemorate Cena’s last match, independent footwear brand Dizygotic is serving up a special-edition sneaker release.
After launching a Project Alpha collaboration with NYC style icons Dee and Ricky in November, Dizygotic is quickly following things up with The Last Project Alpha “Heel Turn” sneaker. As its name suggests, the sneaker riffs on WWE’s “The Last Time Is Now” tagline for Cena’s final stretch of matches, but it also doubles as signifying Dizygotic’s last-ever Project Alpha release.
The “Heel Turn” theme references Cena’s character turning into a villain during WWE’s March Elimination Chamber premium live event. The unexpected switch was especially notable after Cena had played a hero, or face, for nearly his entire WWE career. Beloved by both older and younger fans for his “never give up” attitude and heroic portrayal, the March heel turn came as a shock to viewers.
Dizygotic The Last Project Alpha “Heel Turn” (shroud detail).
Dizygotic
For the new sneaker, Dizygotic uses its signature mismatched design language, combining smooth white leather and snakeskin-textured leather. Cena’s famous “you can’t see me” catchphrase is brought to life with a terry cloth shroud that obscures the Project Alpha’s typical branding. Further tying the look to Cena is the sneaker’s denim liner, a reference to the wrestling star’s go-to jeans shorts look. The Last Project Alpha also comes packaged with numerous accessories including three sets of shoelaces and mismatched sweatbands.
To introduce the new design, Dizygotic worked with former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Dylan “Hornswoggle” Postl for a promotional video and photoshoot.
Timed to release just ahead of Cena’s final match, the Dizygotic The Last Project Alpha Heel Turn will be released Saturday at 5 p.m. ET. Retail pricing is $267.
Dizygotic The Last Project Alpha “Heel Turn” (left shoe).
Dizygotic
Dizygotic The Last Project Alpha “Heel Turn” (right shoe).
Dizygotic
Dizygotic The Last Project Alpha “Heel Turn” (top).
Dizygotic
Dizygotic The Last Project Alpha “Heel Turn” (heel).
Dizygotic
Dizygotic The Last Project Alpha “Heel Turn” (insole).
Dizygotic