Las Vegas, April 20, 2025: John Cena etched his name in wrestling history by defeating Cody Rhodes. John Cena wins his record-breaking 17th WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. The main event at Allegiant Stadium was a rollercoaster of drama, culminating in John Cena winning his controversial final WrestleMania match against Cody Rhodes.
How Cena Defeated Rhodes: Match Breakdown
The Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena clash was a storytelling masterpiece. Cena entered with no pomp—just white text on a black screen—signaling his no-nonsense mindset. Rhodes, the reigning champion, faced a hostile yet determined Cena, who vowed to retire with the WWE’s top prize.
The match built slowly, with both stars trading holds to ramp up tension. Fans were glued to every move, chanting for both competitors. Cena hit multiple Attitude Adjustments, but Rhodes kicked out repeatedly, proving his resilience. Cena’s STF attempt failed when Rhodes escaped, accidentally knocking out the referee.
Rhodes seized the moment, landing a Cross Rhodes for a visual pinfall, but no referee was there to count. Then, Travis Scott’s music hit, and the music icon appeared at WrestleMania 41, pulling the referee out after another Cross Rhodes. Rhodes retaliated, hitting Scott with a Cross Rhodes in the ring, earning a massive pop from the crowd.
The Controversial Finish
The climax was pure chaos. Cena grabbed the WWE Championship belt, intending to use it as a weapon. Rhodes intercepted but hesitated to strike, torn over compromising his principles. Cena capitalized with a low blow and smashed Rhodes with the belt, securing the pin. Did John Cena beat Cody Rhodes? Yes, and he became the new champion.
“This is my legacy, and I’m leaving on top,” Cena said post-match, holding the title aloft. The controversial finish sparked heated debates online.
Who Is Travis Scott and Why Was He at WrestleMania?
Who is Travis Scott? The Grammy-nominated rapper, known for “Astroworld,” is a lifelong wrestling fan who added star power to Travis Scott WrestleMania moment. His interference as a heel aligned with Cena’s tactics, though it cost him a Cross Rhodes from an irate Rhodes.