In a thrilling main event at WWE Backlash 2025, John Cena successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against longtime rival Randy Orton in a match that was as chaotic as it was historic. This encounter, held on May 10 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, marked a significant chapter in the storied rivalry between the two legends, who have battled each other for over two decades.
The atmosphere was electric as the hometown hero Orton received a raucous ovation from the crowd, who were eager to see him reclaim championship gold. Cena, in contrast, entered the arena with a new attitude, having turned heel in recent months, and he wasted no time in showcasing his disdain for the fans. The match began with a classic test of strength, but it quickly escalated into a brutal contest filled with eye pokes and signature moves.
"I know Randy Orton has been a good guy before, but I can't remember 'Cowboy' Bob Orton ever being a good guy. He was one of the best bad guys and he certainly passed that on to his son," remarked one commentator, capturing the unusual dynamic of the match.
Cena opened the match with a deceptive handshake, only to poke Orton in the eye, a tactic that set the tone for the rest of the bout. Orton retaliated with a thumb to Cena's eye, and the two legends exchanged blows, with Orton gaining the upper hand early on. The match saw both men trading their signature moves, including Cena's Attitude Adjustment and Orton's RKO, but neither could secure a definitive victory.
As the match progressed, the action spilled outside the ring, where Orton attempted to put Cena through an announcer's table, which only partially broke upon impact. The chaotic nature of the match intensified when both referees were knocked out, leading to a no-rules street fight scenario. With no officials to count the pinfall, Orton took matters into his own hands, delivering RKOs to anyone who tried to restore order, including WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
Amidst the chaos, R-Truth made a surprising appearance, pleading with Orton not to end Cena's career. However, this distraction allowed Cena to deliver a low blow, followed by a shot to the head with the championship belt. Seizing the opportunity, Cena covered Orton as a replacement referee crawled into the ring to make the count.
"The possibility of Cena vs. Orton first emerged the night after Cena's WrestleMania win, and it was clear that this was a match that fans had been waiting for," said a wrestling analyst, highlighting the significance of the encounter.
With this victory, Cena not only retained his title but also solidified his goal of retiring as the last real world champion by the end of 2025. After the match, Cena cut a promo, telling the St. Louis crowd, "Drink it in because this is what the last real champion looks like." His words echoed through the arena, leaving fans buzzing about what might come next.
The event kicked off with a thrilling fatal four-way match for the United States Championship, where Jacob Fatu defended his title against LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest. This match was equally exciting, featuring high-flying maneuvers and unexpected alliances. Fatu ultimately retained his title after executing a stunning moonsault, but not before the surprise debut of Jeff Cobb, who aided Fatu in the chaotic finish.
In another highlight, Lyra Valkyria successfully defended her Women's Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch in a match that showcased both competitors' athleticism and storytelling. Valkyria managed to secure the victory with a quick roll-up, but not before Lynch's post-match attack left her furious and seeking retribution.
Meanwhile, Dominik Mysterio defended his Intercontinental Championship against Penta, with the match featuring interference from various factions, including The Judgment Day. Mysterio retained his title thanks to a steel plate-assisted headbutt from El Grande Americano.
Gunther faced Pat McAfee in a match that displayed Gunther's technical prowess, ultimately leading to a submission victory for the former champion. Despite McAfee's efforts, Gunther's dominance was evident throughout the contest.
As the night concluded, the focus remained on Cena and Orton's match, which was seen as a fitting conclusion to their epic rivalry. Fans left the arena buzzing about the action-packed night and what the future holds for both Cena and Orton.
WWE Backlash 2025 not only delivered memorable moments but also set the stage for upcoming events, including Saturday Night’s Main Event and the highly anticipated Money in the Bank pay-per-view. As Cena continues his reign, the wrestling world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this storied saga.
