After 25 years in the business, it finally happened. John Cena shocked the wrestling community when he aligned himself with The Rock, attacking Cody Rhodes at the end of Elimination Chamber 2025. It was a moment that no one saw coming, but one that makes total sense as Cena is willing to do anything to get back to the top one last time before calling it a career. This moment shifts the tone of WrestleMania 41 in a monumental way.
John Cena’s heel turn was one of the best moments in recent history. Fightful Select reported on how closely this moment was held to the chest, with “only a few need-to-know people were aware it was coming.” Everything about it delivered.
Looking back, there were hints to the impending character shift at Royal Rumble. Cena looked visibly upset at his loss. The tone he took during the post-show press conference. Some are even pointing toward The Rock using Cena’s three-finger salute as another hint that something was up. While fans and media personalities search for breadcrumbs, this was clearly the response WWE wanted for this moment.
Cody Rhodes faces an interesting challenge at WrestleMania 41
Heading into the Elimination Chamber, there were some who would complain about Rhodes’s tenure as champion. A year ago, he toppled Roman Reigns, finally finishing the story. But much of this run as champion hasn’t lived up to that moment. There have been some great spots, such as his angle with AJ Styles and Kevin Owens, but everything mired in The Bloodline just felt lackadaisical. This moment immediately course corrects heading into the biggest show of the year.
Rhodes now must face an opponent that no one has seen before. No one has seen a John Cena who is desperate enough to align himself with someone like The Final Boss. If Cena was willing to go this low for a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship, what length will he go to win it? That’s a question that Rhodes will have to answer the hard way.
Cena’s first words when he returns to television will be captivating. Fightful Select reports that he’s not advertised for any upcoming episodes of Monday Night Raw or SmackDown. Cena didn’t say anything during the Elimination Chamber press conference, instead electing to simply drop the microphone and walk out. But fans will demand an explanation, and if there’s anything Cena has done well in 25 years, it is telling a story.
The phrase “business is picking up” is used too often in professional wrestling and sports entertainment. But that is the perfect phrase to describe the start of John Cena versus Cody Rhodes for WrestleMania 41.