-
John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes – Street Fight (SummerSlam)
Following their match at WrestleMania 41, many fans were disappointed with the slow pacing of the bout and the involvement of hip-hop artist Travis Scott in the ending sequence, helping Cena win his record-setting 17th world championship. There were two elements, however, that gave fans hope the sequel would be better than the prequel.
It was announced during their contract signing on July 18, 2025, that the match would be a Street Fight. A no-holds-barred bout is always something fans can get behind, especially between two icons of the sport.
Second, on August 1, 2025, during the SmackDown episode before SummerSlam, Cena randomly turned back face, abandoning his five-month heel run, stating he returned to his “authentic self” for his bout with Rhodes.
Perhaps due to John Cena wanting to be at his best, he reminded everyone why he is considered the GOAT, and delivered what many would say was his best retirement tour match of the year.
The physical intensity between the two was electric, and turned the entire stadium into a showcase. Cena delivered a Mexican Destroyer outside of the ring, with Rhodes retaliating by Piledriving Cena, a move officially banned by the WWE and as such rarely seen in modern wrestling.
The most iconic moment of the match was the dramatic “Codyvator” sequence, where Cena emerged from beneath the stage carrying Rhodes on his shoulders, then delivering an Attitude Adjustment on the entrance ramp.
Rhodes had his own spectacular mom
ents from the match as he delivered a Cody Cutter through a table, executed a brutal German Suplex onto a steel fence in the crowd, and survived three AA’s, which included the Avalanche AA Cena delivered from near the top rope.
Rhodes would emerge victorious, with Cena handing him the title and raising his arm in what many fans felt was a passing of the torch moment. Brock Lesnar’s music and the shock return of “The Beast Incarnate” cemented the match’s significance.
Ultimately, while we hope WWE continues to deliver the high-caliber in-ring action seen this year, the true magic lies in the storytelling. Stronger builds do more than just sell tickets; they keep the audience connected with their favorite superstars on a deeper, more personal level and keep us hooked. Here’s hoping for an incredible 2026 filled with moments that we’ll be talking about for years to come.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WWE – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
You can check out WWE programming on Netflix (Raw), USA Network (SmackDown), The CW (NXT), Tubi (WWE Evolve), A&E (WWE Superstar Sunday – Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments), and Peacock (WWE Main Event, as well as archives and premium live event streaming). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on YouTube, and catch fast-paced action on X (WWE Speed).
