WrestleMania 41: John Cena's 17th Title...and His Villainous Glow-Up!

In a night where legends clashed and legacies trembled, WrestleMania 41 concluded with a seismic shift in the WWE landscape. John Cena, the once-heroic face of professional wrestling, etched his name atop the history books by defeating Cody Rhodes in a thunderous main event to become the Undisputed WWE Champion—and a 17-time world titleholder, breaking Ric Flair’s legendary record.

This wasn’t just another WrestleMania main event—it was a tectonic collision of eras. Cena, the decorated veteran on his self-proclaimed final run, stood across the ring from Cody Rhodes, the resilient champion tasked with leading WWE into a bold new chapter. In the end, history favored the icon—but not without controversy.

A Clash of Icons, Steeped in Drama

From the very first bell, the energy in Allegiant Stadium was palpable. Rhodes made his entrance flanked by BMX bikers and sporting his trademark "American Nightmare" mask, symbolizing grit, rebellion, and his ongoing mission to finish his story. Cena, in stark contrast, emerged without theatrics—no pyrotechnics, no jumbotron fanfare. Just his name in plain white text against a black screen. It was minimalist. It was chilling. It was classic Cena in a new light.

The match itself unfolded as a chessboard of psychology, physicality, and escalating emotion. Cena began cautiously, sliding out of the ring after each tie-up, forcing Rhodes to chase. But once the match settled in, both men unleashed their arsenals: Cena with his relentless stomps and brutal Attitude Adjustments; Rhodes with his slick dropkicks, top-rope dives, and the ever-dangerous Cross Rhodes.

There were callbacks to classic moments—Cena hit a spinning DDT and the Five Knuckle Shuffle, met by roars of nostalgia from the crowd. Rhodes countered with a Cody Cutter that nearly split the ring in half. Near falls came in droves, with both men refusing to stay down.

But just as Rhodes seemed poised to retain his crown, chaos ensued.

Mayhem, Missteps, and a Superstar Surprise

A dramatic turn occurred when the referee was accidentally knocked out during a heated exchange. Rhodes managed to connect with a Cross Rhodes and had Cena pinned for what appeared to be a definitive victory—but with no official to count, the moment slipped through his fingers.

Sensing an opening, Cena exposed a turnbuckle and drove Rhodes into it twice before landing another Attitude Adjustment. Still, Rhodes kicked out. The drama was mounting, but the audience was unprepared for what came next.

Suddenly, rapper Travis Scott’s track “Fein” blared through the speakers. In an unexpected—and polarizing—moment, the multi-platinum artist strode to the ring. He distracted the recovering referee and even attempted to interfere physically, only to be dispatched by Rhodes with a Cross Rhodes of his own.

Yet the distraction served its purpose.

As Rhodes turned his back, Cena struck like a viper. First, he teased a belt shot, then struck with a vicious low blow. He followed it with one final, emphatic title shot to the skull and dragged the referee back into the ring. The pinfall came. The bell rang. History was made.

The Record Falls—But at What Cost?

With this victory, Cena has become a 17-time world champion, breaking the record he shared with Ric Flair. The moment should have been euphoric, but the air in the stadium was conflicted. The win, while monumental, felt dirty—far from the valiant, crowd-pleasing hero Cena once was. Instead, this Cena was cunning, remorseless, and ruthless in his quest to prove a point.

He did not hesitate to do whatever it took to secure victory—even if it meant betraying the very moral code that once defined his legacy.

A defining final #WrestleMania moment for @JohnCena.#AndNew pic.twitter.com/yAl555SVPu

— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2025

Wrestling's Greatest Heel Turn?

Perhaps most jarring was Cena’s transformation throughout the match. Gone was the smiling role model preaching hustle, loyalty, and respect. In his place stood a cold, calculating competitor, willing to manipulate, cheat, and exploit in pursuit of gold. This was not a reluctant anti-hero—this was an unapologetic conqueror.

Yet even in the closing moments, the storytelling retained a human touch. When Rhodes caught Cena mid-belt shot and considered returning the blow, he hesitated. There was a flicker of morality in Rhodes that Cena had long abandoned. That hesitation cost him everything.

A New Chapter—And a New Crisis

Cena’s post-match celebration was brief but thunderous. The crowd, torn between admiration and anger, roared as the 17-time champion stood atop the turnbuckle, title in hand. It was a picture that will forever be etched in WWE history. But the question now looms: what happens next?

Cena had previously vowed that if he captured the title again, it would be the end of WWE as fans knew it. “I’ll ruin wrestling,” he declared. “I’ll be the last real champion.” With the title now in his possession, the WWE Universe stands on edge.

Is Cena walking away with the gold, holding it hostage in his final year? Or is this the beginning of one final, monumental run where the greatest of all time takes on every last challenger until he fades into the sunset?

Cody Rhodes: A Legacy Derailed—For Now

As for Cody Rhodes, the loss is as heartbreaking as it is unjust. He fought valiantly, showcasing the spirit and style that made him the face of modern WWE. But in the grandest spotlight, it was a cruel twist of fate—and a sinister legend—that stole his thunder.

The story isn’t finished. But for now, the nightmare is real.

Other Highlights from Night 2

The evening also featured three other championship bouts, including a star-studded Women’s World Championship match between Iyo Sky, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley. Night 2 was also marked by surprises—including the return of a decorated champion, the iconic "Texas Rattlesnake" Steve Austin, and the debut of a viral internet sensation.

But the spotlight undeniably belonged to John Cena.

WrestleMania 41 wasn’t just a spectacle—it was a statement. A legacy was shattered, a record broken, and the line between hero and villain forever blurred. For Cena, the story may be ending. For WWE, a new chapter—fraught with controversy—has only just begun.