In a dramatic showdown on WWE Raw, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious over John Cena, as the two exchanged heated verbal jabs during this week’s event held in London. Cena’s entrance was met with a wave of boos from the audience, but Rhodes interrupted before Cena could deliver his signature speech.
Rhodes wasted no time in preemptively addressing the typical criticisms Cena often employs, such as Rhodes’ neck tattoo, his previous persona as Stardust, and even his stint in AEW. He called out Cena for allegedly deceiving the audience over recent weeks and demanded to understand why Cena attacked him during the Elimination Chamber.
The LAST REAL CHAMPION has spoken.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/GZscNLF1Sn — WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2025
John Cena’s Explanation for His Grievances with Cody Rhodes
Cena Questions Rhodes’ Authenticity
Cena countered by asserting that Rhodes lacks authenticity, accusing him of riding Cena’s coattails to achieve his own prominence. He characterized Rhodes as a mere amalgamation of his childhood wrestling heroes, likening him to a nervous teenager unprepared for public speaking. In his eyes, Rhodes is merely an “errand boy who got lucky.”
In response, Rhodes highlighted that he earned fan loyalty on his own merit, contrasting this with Cena’s status as a corporate figurehead crafted by Vince McMahon, whom he abstained from directly naming. Rhodes addressed Cena’s strategic alliance with The Rock, but Cena quickly shifted back to his taunts, suggesting Rhodes had financially exploited the connections of wealthy individuals, even alluding to AEW again before attempting to exit the ring.
Cody Rhodes Delivers a Stunning Cross Rhodes to John Cena
Cena Left Flat on the Mat
Payback achieved. ✅#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/mDB4m1GPU5 — WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2025
Rhodes taunted Cena, reminding him that despite past criticisms, the fans had never used the chant “You Can’t Wrestle!”against him. This prompted Cena to re-enter the ring, ostensibly ready for confrontation, only to feign retreat and attempt a strike at Rhodes. However, the current Undisputed WWE Champion evaded Cena’s punch, captured his opponent’s head, and executed a powerful Cross Rhodes.
The highly anticipated clash between Rhodes and Cena is set for the main event at WrestleMania 41, which will take place on Night 2, April 20, in Las Vegas. Confirmations earlier this week on WWE SmackDown have also revealed that the opening night will feature a contest among Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk.