WrestleMania 41 Night 2 concluded with a bang as John Cena, in his final appearance on the grandest stage of them all, captured the WWE Undisputed Championship by defeating Cody Rhodes. This monumental victory, celebrated by Cena's legion of fans, marked a significant milestone in wrestling history as he became a record 17-time world champion.
The event took place at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on April 21, 2025, and was filled with electrifying moments and unexpected turns. Cena, who announced his retirement at the end of the year, faced off against Rhodes, who had held the title since WrestleMania 40, where he defeated Roman Reigns to end the latter's nearly four-year reign.
The build-up to this match was steeped in controversy and intrigue. Cena, who had long been the face of WWE, turned heel for the first time in his career during the Elimination Chamber on March 1, aligning himself with The Rock. This shift in persona had polarized opinions in the WWE locker room and among fans alike, leading to a highly anticipated showdown between the two wrestling icons.
As the match unfolded, the atmosphere intensified. Fans inside the stadium had shown mixed reactions towards Rhodes, with some booing him during his entrance, a stark contrast to the cheers he had received in the past. This was particularly notable given that Cena was now positioned as the antagonist, a role he had never taken on before.
In the early stages of the match, both competitors showcased their wrestling prowess, exchanging high-impact moves and near falls. Cena attempted to regain the upper hand with his signature Attitude Adjustment, but Rhodes countered, demonstrating his resilience and determination to retain the title.
However, the match took a dramatic turn when rapper Travis Scott made a surprise appearance. In a chaotic moment, Scott inadvertently interfered with the match, becoming a target of Rhodes' finishing move, CrossRhodes. This unexpected twist added an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling encounter.
As the match progressed, Cena capitalized on Rhodes' momentary distraction. In a shocking move, he executed a low blow, followed by a brutal strike with the championship belt, leading to a swift pinfall victory. The referee, having been previously knocked out, was barely able to count the three as Cena celebrated his historic win.
"Tonight is a testament to hard work and dedication," Cena said after his victory, reflecting on his journey and the culmination of his career at WrestleMania. "I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my time in the ring." His victory not only solidified his legacy but also left fans buzzing about the future of WWE without one of its biggest stars.
Earlier in the night, Iyo Sky defended her Women's World Championship against formidable challengers Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley in a highly competitive match. Sky's victory showcased her resilience and skill, further establishing her as a top competitor in the women's division.
In another highlight, Dominick Mysterio claimed the Intercontinental Championship in a thrilling fatal four-way match against Bron Breakker, Finn Balor, and Penta. Mysterio's win marked a significant achievement in his young career, adding to the excitement of the evening.
The night also featured Randy Orton's open challenge, which was answered by Joe Hendry, who unfortunately suffered a loss. Drew McIntyre faced off against long-time rival Damian Priest in a Sin City street fight, while AJ Styles was bested by Logan Paul in a surprising outcome.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats for each match. The unpredictability of the outcomes kept everyone engaged, making WrestleMania 41 a memorable event in WWE history.
As the dust settles from this monumental night, the wrestling world is left to ponder the implications of Cena's victory and the future of the WWE landscape. With Cena's retirement looming, questions arise about who will step up to fill the void left by one of the industry's greatest icons.
WWE has always been about storytelling, and the narrative of Cena's heel turn, Rhodes' rise as a champion, and the unexpected twists of WrestleMania 41 will undoubtedly resonate for years to come. Fans are eager to see how this story unfolds in the coming months, especially with Cena's retirement tour and the potential shifts in power among the roster.
In the end, WrestleMania 41 Night 2 was not just a culmination of matches but a celebration of the rich history and evolution of professional wrestling. As Cena walks away with the championship, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of wrestlers and fans alike.
