WrestleMania 41 was supposed to be Cody Rhodes’ crowning moment, a fitting conclusion to his long “finish the story” journey. But instead, it became John Cena’s final chapter—and a historic, controversial one at that.
In what was billed as John Cena’s last WrestleMania, the 16-time World Champion entered with one goal in mind: to make history.
And by the end of the night, he did just that—winning his record-breaking 17th World Championship, surpassing Ric Flair, but not without chaos, controversy, and a moment that may haunt Cody Rhodes forever.
A Slower, Smarter John Cena
From the opening bell, this wasn’t the energetic Cena we once knew. This was a methodical, deliberate version of the veteran—grinding down Cody Rhodes with power moves and submission holds, forcing the pace of the match into his world.
Cena hit not one, but three Attitude Adjustments, including an Ultimate AA from the top rope, and each time, Cody kicked out—fueling Cena’s growing frustration.
Then came Cody’s moment.
The Cross Rhodes, the Ref Bump, and… Travis Scott?
Cody mounted his comeback with a super Cody Cutter from the top rope, followed by a thunderous Cross Rhodes—but with the referee down, no count followed.
As Cody revived the official and hit another Cross Rhodes, rapper Travis Scott appeared from nowhere and pulled the referee out of the ring—drawing shock and outrage from the WWE Universe.
Cody, stunned and furious, invited Scott into the ring—and delivered a Cross Rhodes to the megastar to the crowd’s delight.
But in that moment of chaos… Cena struck.
The Turnbuckle, the Low Blow, and the Record-Breaker
John Cena had already removed the top turnbuckle earlier in the match. After Rhodes turned his back, Cena hit a low blow, followed by a vicious slam into the exposed steel.
Then came the fourth and final Attitude Adjustment—and if that wasn’t enough, Cena followed it with a shot to the head using the championship belt itself.
The referee, back in position, counted the three.
1… 2… 3.
The crowd was stunned. Some cheered. Most booed. And many stood silent as John Cena was declared the new World Champion—his 17th reign, officially passing Ric Flair for the most world titles in history.
Legacy Rewritten
As Cena stood atop the ropes, holding the championship high, there was no celebration. No “Never Give Up” energy. Just cold, calculated victory.
The man who once stood for hustle, loyalty, and respect… walked out a record-breaker by any means necessary.
Cody Rhodes may have finished his story one day.
But at WrestleMania 41, John Cena stole the ending.