Las Vegas, NV — April 6, 2025: In what fans are already calling one of the most controversial endings in WrestleMania history, John Cena used underhanded tactics to defeat Cody Rhodes and secure his record-breaking 17th WWE Championship.
The Allegiant Stadium crowd erupted in disbelief as Cena — long known for his clean-cut persona — shocked the WWE Universe by delivering a low blow while the referee was briefly distracted, followed by a lightning-fast Attitude Adjustment that sealed the win.
“I didn’t see that coming from Cena,” said one stunned fan outside the arena. “This changes how I see him forever.”
Cody Rhodes, who was defending the championship with momentum and fan support on his side, was visibly devastated in the ring. Despite a dominant performance throughout the match, Cena’s unexpected foul play turned the tide in an instant.
WWE commentators were quick to debate the legacy of Cena’s victory. Is it a triumphant return to glory — or a tainted milestone in an otherwise iconic career?
The win places Cena above Ric Flair, giving him sole ownership of the most WWE world title reigns in history. Yet, the means by which he achieved the record have already sparked fierce discussions across social media and wrestling forums.
What’s Next for Cena and Rhodes?
While Cena celebrated to a chorus of mixed reactions, Rhodes exited the ring without addressing the crowd. Rumors are already swirling about a potential rematch or storyline twist on Monday Night Raw.
Regardless of the fallout, WrestleMania 41 is now etched in WWE history as the night John Cena broke the record — and broke the rules to do it.
