Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena | WWE Championship Match: WrestleMania 41 Sunday Highlights
WrestleMania 41 delivered one of the most electrifying and emotionally charged main events in WWE history as Cody Rhodes faced off against the legendary John Cena for the WWE Championship. The match, held on Sunday night in front of a sold-out crowd at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, was the culmination of months of buildup, tension, and anticipation. It wasn’t just a battle for the title—it was a generational clash between the present and the past, between legacy and longevity.
The match began with a thunderous ovation as Cody Rhodes made his entrance, proudly holding the WWE Championship he had won one year earlier at WrestleMania 40. Clad in his signature patriotic gear and flanked by an aura of legacy, Cody soaked in the moment, knowing he was about to face the biggest challenge of his career. Then came John Cena—making a rare but monumental return to the ring. The 16-time world champion was met with a deafening mix of cheers and respect from the WWE Universe. His presence alone elevated the stakes of the match.
From the opening bell, it was clear that both men were determined to put on a classic. The early minutes showcased their technical prowess, with clean lockups and quick counters. Cena used his strength and experience, grounding Cody with powerful suplexes and his signature shoulder tackles. Rhodes, never one to back down, fired back with agility and precise strikes, targeting Cena’s knees to wear down his base. The match told a compelling story: Cena fighting to prove he still belongs in the main event scene, and Rhodes fighting to prove he is the rightful face of WWE’s future.
Midway through the match, the intensity ramped up. Cena attempted his iconic Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Cody countered with a Disaster Kick that nearly turned the tide. The action spilled outside the ring, where Cena delivered a thunderous Attitude Adjustment onto the steel steps, only for Rhodes to miraculously beat the count. The crowd was on their feet as both men pushed their limits.
The closing sequence was nothing short of cinematic. Cena locked in the STF, but Cody clawed his way to the ropes. After escaping a second AA attempt, Cody hit the Cody Cutter followed by Cross Rhodes—not once, but twice. He went for a third, but Cena reversed it into a surprise roll-up for a near fall. The two men stood face-to-face, exchanging heavy blows and emotions, culminating in Rhodes hitting a decisive third Cross Rhodes for the victory.
After the match, Cena stood up and offered his hand to Cody—a symbolic passing of the torch. The crowd erupted as the two embraced, solidifying Cody’s reign and acknowledging Cena’s lasting legacy. WrestleMania 41’s main event wasn’t just a match; it was a generational moment that will be remembered as a defining chapter in WWE history.
