The world of WWE witnessed a monumental clash of eras in 2025, as the legendary John Cena and the modern-day flagbearer Cody Rhodes collided in a rivalry for the ages. This epic saga, which culminated in a classic passing of the torch, was made even more intriguing by a surprising common link from their past.
From Divergent Paths to a Shared Connection
For years, John Cena was the undisputed face of WWE, carrying the company on his shoulders during its most pivotal years. In stark contrast, during the peak of Cena's superstardom in the mid-2010s, Cody Rhodes was still carving his path as a mid-card talent. However, an interesting parallel emerged in the early 2010s.
During his tenure as part of The Rhodes Scholars with Damian Sandow, Cody Rhodes was paired on-screen with Nikki Bella. While their romance was purely a storyline for WWE television, it created a unique historical footnote. Around 2012-2013, Nikki Bella's real-life relationship with John Cena became public knowledge, a partnership that lasted until 2017. This created an indirect, fascinating link between the two future rivals long before their paths crossed at the top of the card.
The Blockbuster Rivalry of 2025: Betrayal & Redemption
The stage was set in January 2025 when John Cena embarked on his farewell tour. Cody Rhodes was the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, positioned as the company's new cornerstone. The clash seemed inevitable when Cena won the Elimination Chamber match in February 2025 to become the number one contender.
In a moment that stunned the WWE Universe, Cena shockingly turned heel, attacking Rhodes and igniting a fierce personal feud on the road to WrestleMania 41. At the grand event, John Cena used underhanded tactics to defeat Cody Rhodes, capturing a historic 17th World Championship. The victory, however, was marred by controversy and fan disapproval.
The Torch is Finally Passed at SummerSlam
Rhodes battled back, winning the King of the Ring tournament in the summer to earn another title shot. In another dramatic twist, Cena reverted to a babyface on the SmackDown before SummerSlam 2025. This set the scene for a highly-anticipated rematch at the August spectacular.
Their SummerSlam 2025 showdown was a critical and commercial success, redeeming their WrestleMania outing. In a captivating conclusion, Cody Rhodes defeated John Cena to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship. The night ended with a iconic, emotional moment as Cena endorsed Rhodes, solidifying him as the new leader of WWE.
Legacy Defined: Cena's Exit and Rhodes' Reign
While Cody Rhodes continues his reign as champion, John Cena officially closed the chapter on his in-ring career. He wrestled his final match in December 2025 at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, losing to Gunther. With one of the greatest careers ever concluded, the future of The Cenation Leader is now outside the squared circle.
This epic 2025 narrative successfully bridged WWE's past and its future. It highlighted Cody Rhodes' ascent to the top of the industry and provided a fitting, full-circle finale for John Cena's legendary tenure, a journey unexpectedly connected by threads from over a decade prior.
