Cody Rhodes Addresses John Cena's Criticism Of Their WrestleMania Match
John Cena headlined his final WrestleMania at WrestleMania 41 by defeating Cody Rhodes to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match received negative feedback because Cena worked to kill wrestling and Travis Scott got involved during the bout. Cena and Rhodes later clashed in a street fight main event at SummerSlam that earned strong praise from audiences.
Cena told Anthony Sulla-Heffinger of Yahoo’s Uncrowned that the WrestleMania bout serves as an example for young talent. He explained that he reminds them to swing big and not fear failure, noting many assume he speaks from a position without setbacks.
Cena reflected on his retirement tour drawing significant attention and admitted he took a major swing at WrestleMania where they stunk up the joint and failed. He added that after the disappointment they got back up, dusted themselves off, course-corrected, and finished the story at SummerSlam as Cody would describe it.
Cena stated there were many easy creative paths available but he appreciated the bold approach at the end because it was authentically him. He confirmed he left nothing in the tank physically, worked with a great opponent, and delivered an ending that generated widespread discussion whether acclaimed or criticized.
Cena is now supporting emerging talent by hosting the Cena Classic that pits main roster stars against NXT performers, with Cody Rhodes as the first invitee.
Story timeline · 8 reports
- John Cena Admits WrestleMania 41 Match FailedJohn Cena told Uncrowned that his WrestleMania 41 main event against Cody Rhodes stunk up the joint and that they failed.
- On the Record: John Cena Admits His WrestleMania 41 Match With Cody Rhodes Was A FailureNew details are emerging on this story from NDTV Sports: John Cena Admits His WrestleMania 41 Match With Cody Rhodes Was A Failure.
- John Cena Calls WrestleMania Loss to Cody Rhodes a FailureIn an interview, the 17-time world champion reflected on his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes during his retirement tour.
- John Cena Admits WrestleMania 41 Match With Cody Rhodes FailedMore than a year after John Cena faced Cody Rhodes in the WrestleMania 41 main event, Cena agrees the bout fell short of expectations.
- On the Record: Cody Rhodes Responds To John Cena Saying They ‘Stunk Up the Joint’ at WrestleMania 41Per Ringside News: speaking on ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike , Cody was asked about the emotional moment on RAW when Cena introduced him as the first…
- John Cena Admits WrestleMania 41 Match FailedJohn Cena headlined his final WrestleMania at WrestleMania 41, defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a bout that received poor fan…
- On the Record: John Cena Says He and Cody Rhodes ‘Stunk Up the Joint’ at WrestleMania 41Speaking with Uncrowned , Cena reflected on his WrestleMania 41 match against Cody Rhodes , where he captured his record-setting 17th world championship in…
Sources: Wrestling Inc · Cageside Seats · NDTV Sports · Yahoo Sports · Ringside News · Fightful