In a heated confrontation that electrified the crowd at WWE Raw in London on March 31, 2025, Cody Rhodes and John Cena traded verbal jabs, setting the stage for their highly anticipated match at WrestleMania 41. The exchange marked the third consecutive week the two superstars have faced off verbally, with tensions running high following Cena's recent heel turn.
As the show opened, Cena was met with a chorus of boos from the fans, a stark contrast to his once-beloved persona. However, before he could launch into his usual promo, Rhodes interrupted, determined to take control of the narrative. He began by addressing Cena's criticisms, referencing his past, including his infamous Stardust persona and even his neck tattoo. "There’s so much you could make fun of me for. I have a little bit of a lisp… Stardust. That’s who you’re wrestling at your last WrestleMania in the headline match, Stardust," Rhodes quipped, aiming to deflate Cena's typical bravado.
Cena, not one to back down, responded with a barrage of insults, claiming that Rhodes lacks authenticity and has merely ridden the coattails of his own success. "You’re just a paint-by-numbers, sociopathic nepo baby who is so into himself he had his wrestling gimmick tattooed for the world to see," Cena declared, further asserting that Rhodes is nothing more than an errand boy who got lucky.
Rhodes, however, was quick to counter, pointing out that while Cena may have been a corporate creation, he was the one who had earned the respect of the fans. "You know who chose me? They chose me? Can you say the same, John Cena? Or was it one guy in an office who chose you who isn't here anymore, and we don't talk about him?" he challenged, hinting at the influence of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
The tension escalated as Cena continued to hurl insults, including a jab at Rhodes' time in AEW, suggesting he had "stolen money from the children of billionaires." This reference to AEW and its CEO Tony Khan was not lost on the audience, who have witnessed the ongoing rivalry between WWE and its competitor.
As the verbal sparring continued, Rhodes reminded Cena that he had never been subjected to the infamous "You Can't Wrestle!" chant. This remark seemed to strike a chord, prompting Cena to step back into the ring for a physical confrontation. In a swift move, he attempted to swing at Rhodes, but the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion sidestepped the punch and retaliated with a devastating Cross Rhodes, leaving Cena down on the mat.
The culmination of their exchange not only showcased the animosity between the two but also heightened anticipation for their match at WrestleMania 41, where they will face off for the WWE Championship on April 20, 2025, in Las Vegas. The match is expected to be one of the highlights of the two-night event, which also features a triple threat match between Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk on Night 1.
WWE has seen a significant uptick in ratings since the launch of its content on Netflix, a deal worth over $5 billion that has brought the organization to a broader audience. Triple H, WWE's chief content officer, has emphasized that the streaming service has no influence on the creative direction of the shows, stating, "We create the superstars, we create the storylines. We do all of that and the world watches." Since the partnership began in January, WWE Raw has consistently ranked among the top 10 shows in the UK.
As fans eagerly await WrestleMania 41, the stakes have never been higher for both Cena and Rhodes. The latter's comments about Cena's past decisions, including his alignment with The Rock, have only added fuel to the fire. Rhodes stated, "John, you are still my hero. But you’re also a piece of shit," a remark that encapsulated the personal nature of their rivalry.
With Rhodes poised to defend his championship against Cena, the narrative has evolved into a clash of ideologies—one championing authenticity and the other embodying the corporate machine. As the countdown to WrestleMania continues, fans are left wondering how this saga will unfold and what surprises WWE has in store.
In the lead-up to WrestleMania, WWE also hosted a tryout event in London, showcasing aspiring talent eager to make their mark in the wrestling world. Among them was 23-year-old Hannah Foster, who expressed excitement about the potential for increased interest in wrestling due to WWE's partnership with Netflix and its massive subscriber base. "I want to show girls that they can be strong and powerful," she commented, reflecting the growing inclusivity within the sport.
As the rivalry between Rhodes and Cena intensifies, it remains clear that both superstars are ready to put everything on the line at WrestleMania 41. With their contrasting styles and backgrounds, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter that could redefine the landscape of WWE.
