John Cena made history at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, winning his 17th WWE Championship in a dramatic and contentious main event against Cody Rhodes. This victory shattered Ric Flair’s long-held record and was a watershed point in Cena’s farewell tour, since 2025 has been declared as his final year in professional wrestling.
Starting with great intensity and a tense atmosphere, the fight saw both rivals trading grips and high-impact moves. Early aggressiveness from John Cena matched the vicious approach he has been using on his recent heel turn. He controlled the fight using various technical power tactics, including multiple Attitude Adjustments and his trademark five-knuckle shuffle. Rhodes, on the other hand, kept up the pressure and hit with aerial moves and specialty finishes like the Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes.
Congrats To My Great Friend @JohnCena On Becoming A 17x Champion! It Was Only A Matter Of Time! You And @CodyRhodes Put On An Instant Classic! Much Respect! WOOOOO! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/qwvowzTrhk
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 21, 2025
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The judge was accidentally knocked out in the middle of the game, which caused chaos. Travis Scott, an artist, suddenly had a hit song, and he walked into the ring to face John Cena. Scott’s interference allowed Rhodes to land a potential match-ending move, but the absence of a referee halted the count.
THE 1️⃣7️⃣ TIME CHAMP IS HERE!#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/WCvyixE512
— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2025
As Rhodes turned his attention away, John Cena capitalized with a low blow followed by a title shot to the head. He then dragged the recovering referee into position for the final pinfall. As John Cena was crowned the new Undisputed WWE Champion, the audience responded with astonishment and respect. The triumph marked the end of a sinister metamorphosis in Cena’s character that started once he guaranteed his title shot at Elimination Chamber.
The final #WrestleMania moment. pic.twitter.com/DCtpyFVxuV
— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2025
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He had since distanced himself from fans, blaming them for years of criticism and declaring he would now do whatever it takes to win. Apart from its statistical relevance, John Cena’s triumph at WrestleMania 41 marks a symbolic end to one of the best wrestling careers. As John Cena reaches the latter phase of his storied career, this championship reign confirms his position atop the WWE mountain, even if it is surprising and carried out with underhanded methods.