Cody Rhodes fights John Cena for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41

In London, on April 1, 2025, another confrontation occurred between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, who are set to clash at WrestleMania 41. The event ignited when Cena interrupted a segment, proclaiming his intent to 'bury' what he deemed mediocrity in wrestling, referring to his rivalry with Rhodes. Following personal jabs regarding their past, Cena and Rhodes exchanged heated words, culminating in Rhodes executing his finishing move, the Cross Rhodes, on Cena in the ring. This match, expected to take place on April 19-20, is already generating significant buzz due to Cena's recent heel turn and his quest for a record-breaking 17th championship title, challenging the traditional roles of their characters. Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion, views the imminent matchup as a unique challenge, akin to a 'first-time-ever' encounter due to the changed dynamics of Cena’s character. Historically, Cena has been synonymous with 'hustle, loyalty, and respect,' but his recent alignment with villain Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has turned him into a despised antagonist among fans. Rhodes emphasized the importance of understanding the evolution of their wrestling personas as they prepare for their match, which has become a focal point in the wrestling community amid Cena's ambitions to outdo Ric Flair's championship record. The storyline surrounding this matchup not only revitalizes Cena's career but also serves Rhodes as a major milestone in his journey within WWE, amplifying the anticipation surrounding WrestleMania 41 as fans await the outcome of this rivalry steeped in history. Additionally, this confrontation reflects the broader narrative style of professional wrestling, illustrating how relationships among wrestlers can evolve and lead to dramatic storylines that captivate audiences. With WrestleMania rapidly approaching, the pro wrestling world is attentively observing the developments as both Rhodes and Cena prepare for this pivotal encounter. The outcome not only has implications for their careers but sets the stage for what wrestling fans hope will be an unforgettable event filled with drama and athleticism.