It’s official. As of April 20, 2025, John Cena is a record-setting 17-time world champion. You don’t have to like the way it was done. You can marvel at The Rock’s conspicuous absence. But when all was said and finished, Big Match John defeated Cody Rhodes on WWE’s grandest stage. If you find yourself asking what’s next for the new Undisputed WWE Champion, the answer is most likely Randy Orton.
The Viper Strikes
The Viper made his presence felt on the latest episode of WWE Monday Night Raw by hitting Cena with an RKO. After that, he proceeded to grab the WWE Title and raise it high above his head. While nothing has been set in stone, all signs lead to these two longtime rivals clashing once more at Backlash. The event is set to take place next month on May 10, 2025. More importantly, the setting will be Orton’s hometown, St. Louis, Missouri.
Though Cena initially received the Dominik Mysterio treatment from fans, it hasn’t taken the WWE Universe long to warm back up to the champ. Case in point, the crowd chanted “we are sorry” at him this past Monday Night Raw during his promo. Moreover, they’ve booed Cody Rhodes over Cena throughout their feud several times during the buildup leading to WrestleMania 41, so much so that Cena himself called them out on it.
In a lot of ways, it’s totally understandable. For years, many fans were itching for Cena to drop the nice guy shtick, abandon his “hustle, loyalty, respect” gimmick, and turn heel. At one point, it seemed like the turn would never come.
Now, in the year 2025, it’s finally happening.
All Eyes On John Cena vs. Randy Orton at WWE Backlash
This unconditional love for The G.O.A.T. may come to a halt at WWE Backlash, given that it’s Orton’s home turf. If Randy Orton vs. John Cena were the match WWE decided to book, the company may have secured a win-win situation. If the current champion retains, there’s a good chance he’ll elicit a nice amount of heel heat from the fans.
If WWE shocks the world and Cena drops the title early on in his record-setting reign, then what better way to book a feel-good moment for The Viper in his hometown?
In summary, John Cena vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash is a stellar choice because it ticks almost all the right boxes. There’s a much better possibility of Cena getting booed out of the building, given the location. Plus, this is a match that a good portion of WWE fans want to see at least one more time before the 17-time world champion retires.
Lastly, it leaves room for a certain someone to return.
Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes have quite a history. Maybe the American Nightmare makes a return at WWE Backlash in order to ensure Cena doesn’t pull a WrestleMania 41 repeat? On the other hand, there’s always the more likely outcome: John Cena defeats Orton by hook or crook and commences his quest to ruin pro wrestling for all of us.
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