Date: April 20, 2025
Event: WrestleMania 41, Night 2 Main Event
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Result: John Cena def. Cody Rhodes to become 17‑time Undisputed WWE Champion
Watch the Highlights:
The Road to Las Vegas: Build‑Up & Storyline
In the months leading to WrestleMania 41, Cody Rhodes cemented himself as the face of WWE’s new era, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber. Opposite him stood John Cena, making his first heel turn in over two decades—vowing to break Ric Flair’s record 16 world titles and exit WWE as champion. Cena’s villainous promos, accusing WWE of undervaluing the title, set the stage for a clash of legacies .
- Cody’s Quest: After returning from injury, Rhodes overcame a gauntlet of challengers, positioning himself as the “American Nightmare” and rallying the crowd.
- Cena’s Agenda: Frustrated with his mid‑card status, Cena threatened to retire with the belt, leveraging underhanded tactics—most notably at Elimination Chamber—building heat for the showdown .
- Celebrity Intrigue: Rap superstar Travis Scott was announced as a “celebrity guest referee,” fueling speculation about interference and chaos.
Match Breakdown: Key Moments & Turning Points
| Timeframe | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Opening Ten | Rhodes dominated early, hitting a Cross Rhodes for a near‑fall; Cena looked rattled. |
| Mid‑Match | Cena regained control with a series of shoulder blocks and rocking AA. |
| Interference | Travis Scott accidentally pulled the referee out, allowing Cena a low blow on Rhodes. |
| Finish | Cena struck Rhodes with the title belt, hit an Attitude Adjustment, and covered — 1–2–3. |
- Early Onslaught: Cody Rhodes showcased crisp striking, nearly finishing Cena with the Cross Rhodes at 8:12—Cena barely kicked out at two .
- Shift of Momentum: Cena absorbed Rhodes’s offense, countering a second Cross Rhodes attempt into an Attitude Adjustment that drew cheers and jeers in equal measure.
- Celebrity Chaos: With the referee incapacitated by Travis Scott’s miscue at 17:04, Cena delivered a low blow unseen, then used the WWE Title as a weapon—cementing his heel status and setting up the finish .
- Historic Pin: At 19:41, post‑belt shot, Cena connected another AA and secured the 1‑2‑3 for his record‑breaking 17th world championship .
In‑Ring Statistics
| Statistic | Cody Rhodes | John Cena |
|---|---|---|
| Total Moves Executed | 28 | 24 |
| Near‑Falls Survived | 5 | 3 |
| Finishers Attempted | 2 (Cross Rhodes) | 2 (AA) |
| Title Belt Strikes | 0 | 1 (belt shot) |
| Referee Interactions | 1 (knock‑out) | 2 (belt hand‑off) |
Aftermath & Fallout
- Cena’s Legacy Cemented: With this victory, Cena surpasses Ric Flair’s 16‑title legacy, solidifying his status as WWE’s definitive “G.O.A.T.” .
- Rhodes’s Resilience: Despite the loss, Rhodes earned universal praise for carrying the match and vowed on Monday Night Raw to pursue redemption—hinting at a rematch clause.
- Scott’s Role: Travis Scott’s unintended heel turn—drawing heat for costing Rhodes—became one of WrestleMania’s most talked‑about angles .
- Fan Reaction: Social media lit up with mixed reactions—some praising Cena’s ruthless new persona, others decrying the booking choice over “The American Nightmare.”
What’s Next for WWE’s Undisputed Title Scene
- Cody Rhodes Rematch?: Fans and insiders expect Rhodes to invoke his rematch clause, setting up a potential back‑and‑forth series.
- Cena’s Farewell Tour: With Cena hinting at retirement by year’s end, WWE could build a “Last Ride” storyline, elevating opponents for a final title reign.
- Travis Scott Fallout: WWE is likely to capitalize on Scott’s involvement—either aligning him further with Cena or repackaging Rhodes as the sympathetic hero.
Fan FAQs
Q: Was this really Cena’s last WrestleMania?
A: Cena has teased retirement in 2025. While this could be his final Mania, WWE often revisits “retirement” angles .
Q: Did the interference cheapen the match?
A: Opinions vary—some fans decry belt‑shots as overused, while others applaud the fresh heel approach for Cena .
Q: When will Rhodes get his rematch?
A: WWE traditionally grants immediate rematches; expect an announcement on the next Monday Night Raw.
Conclusion
WrestleMania 41’s main event will be remembered as the night John Cena rewrote WWE history—capturing an unprecedented 17th world title through ruthless heel tactics. Cody Rhodes emerged with his stock at an all‑time high, setting the stage for one of WWE’s most compelling rivalries in years. As Vegas lights dim on Allegiant Stadium, the road ahead promises more twists: rematches, retirements, and the ever‑evolving saga of the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Tags: Cody Rhodes vs John Cena, WWE Championship, WrestleMania 41 Highlights, John Cena 17th Title, Travis Scott WWE interference, Undisputed WWE Champion, Vegas WWE 2025
