John Cena’s final act: a heel turn, a historic win, and the end of an era
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 21, 2025, 23:01 IST
At WrestleMania 41, John Cena controversially secured his 17th World Championship, surpassing Ric Flair's record. Cena, now a heel, defeated Cody Rhodes with underhanded tactics, including a low blow. Rapper Travis Scott's interference further fueled the controversy, aiding Cena's victory.
In what may go down as one of the most dramatic twists in WWE history, John Cena claimed a record-breaking 17th World Championship title at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, defeating Cody Rhodes in a match that shocked fans and altered the landscape of professional wrestling. But this was no fairy-tale ending it was the crowning moment of Cena’s unexpected evolution from hero to heel.
As nearly 65,000 fans packed Allegiant Stadium, Cena’s victory wasn’t just a celebration of his legendary career it was a bold and brash exclamation point on a retirement tour defined by reinvention, controversy, and cold-blooded dominance.
Cena’s win on April 20 marked the 17th world championship of his career, officially surpassing Ric Flair’s longstanding record of 16. But unlike the rest of his illustrious reigns, this one came amid boos, not cheers.
Once considered the ultimate “good guy” of WWE a role model for kids and the face of the franchise for over two decades Cena turned heel in March, embracing the dark side in a storyline that stunned loyal fans. His transformation set the stage for a ruthless showdown with Cody Rhodes, who came into WrestleMania 41 as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion and a fan favorite.
The match itself delivered on all fronts: emotion, shock, and pure entertainment. Cena sealed the win not with a dramatic finishing move, but with a low blow and a shot to the head with the championship belt tactics that would’ve once drawn his own condemnation.
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In a crossover moment that will be debated by fans for years, rapper Travis Scott played a pivotal role in Cena’s victory. As Rhodes looked to have the match won after delivering his signature Cross Rhodes move, Scott intervened dragging the referee out of the ring and breaking the count.
While Rhodes retaliated by delivering another Cross Rhodes to Scott, the interruption gave Cena the window he needed to regroup and seize the win.
WWE has always blurred the lines between entertainment and sport, but bringing in a mainstream music star to sway the outcome of its biggest annual event adds another layer of spectacle and perhaps controversy to Cena’s final run.
The win brings Cena one step closer to completing his farewell tour on his own terms. In full heel mode, he’s been unapologetic about his plans. “I will win that championship and retire with it,” he declared in March. “I’m taking it home with me and leaving all of you to create a brand-new toy belt because the real one comes home with me.”
At 48, Cena has acknowledged the physical toll of the sport and the youth-driven energy of WWE’s next generation. During a 2024 appearance on NBC’s TODAY, he hinted at retiring by age 50, noting, “The sport is fast, it’s young… I’ve got the excitement and enthusiasm, I just don’t have the fast or the young anymore.”
For two decades, John Cena defined an era of professional wrestling his catchphrases, his never-give-up attitude, and his presence elevated WWE to mainstream global stardom. But now, in the twilight of his career, Cena is writing a far more complex final chapter.
His WrestleMania 41 victory isn’t just about breaking records. It’s about rewriting the narrative, flipping his own legacy, and exiting the stage not as the hero fans remember, but as the legend who bent the rules and the crowd one last time.
Whether fans love it or hate it, Cena’s final run is unforgettable. And if this is indeed the end, he’s making sure it goes out not with a salute but with a smirk.
As nearly 65,000 fans packed Allegiant Stadium, Cena’s victory wasn’t just a celebration of his legendary career it was a bold and brash exclamation point on a retirement tour defined by reinvention, controversy, and cold-blooded dominance.
A historic milestone, delivered with a villain’s twist
Once considered the ultimate “good guy” of WWE a role model for kids and the face of the franchise for over two decades Cena turned heel in March, embracing the dark side in a storyline that stunned loyal fans. His transformation set the stage for a ruthless showdown with Cody Rhodes, who came into WrestleMania 41 as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion and a fan favorite.
The match itself delivered on all fronts: emotion, shock, and pure entertainment. Cena sealed the win not with a dramatic finishing move, but with a low blow and a shot to the head with the championship belt tactics that would’ve once drawn his own condemnation.
The Travis Scott factor: music meets mayhem
While Rhodes retaliated by delivering another Cross Rhodes to Scott, the interruption gave Cena the window he needed to regroup and seize the win.
WWE has always blurred the lines between entertainment and sport, but bringing in a mainstream music star to sway the outcome of its biggest annual event adds another layer of spectacle and perhaps controversy to Cena’s final run.
“I will be the last real champion”
At 48, Cena has acknowledged the physical toll of the sport and the youth-driven energy of WWE’s next generation. During a 2024 appearance on NBC’s TODAY, he hinted at retiring by age 50, noting, “The sport is fast, it’s young… I’ve got the excitement and enthusiasm, I just don’t have the fast or the young anymore.”
A legacy sealed in heel heat
His WrestleMania 41 victory isn’t just about breaking records. It’s about rewriting the narrative, flipping his own legacy, and exiting the stage not as the hero fans remember, but as the legend who bent the rules and the crowd one last time.
Whether fans love it or hate it, Cena’s final run is unforgettable. And if this is indeed the end, he’s making sure it goes out not with a salute but with a smirk.