John Cena, the pride of West Newbury, Massachusetts, has once again etched his name into the annals of WWE history. At WrestleMania 41, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to become the first-ever 17-time world champion in WWE, surpassing Ric Flair’s long-standing record of 16 titles.
This monumental victory was marked by a shocking heel turn last month, as Cena aligned himself with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at Elimination Chamber and employed underhanded tactics to secure the win against Rhodes on Sunday.
The Historic 17th Title Win
Cena’s victory over Rhodes not only earned him the Undisputed WWE Championship but also broke Ric Flair’s record of 16 world title reigns. This achievement solidifies Cena’s legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
The match concluded with Cena delivering a low blow to Rhodes, followed by a strike with the championship belt, leading to the pinfall. This controversial ending was further intensified by the unexpected interference of rapper Travis Scott, who attempted to cost Rhodes the match.
The Shocking Heel Turn
Cena’s heel turn was cemented when he aligned himself with The Rock, attacking Rhodes after winning the Elimination Chamber match in March. This alliance marked Cena’s first heel turn in over two decades, shocking fans worldwide.
Triple H revealed that only a select few were aware of Cena’s heel turn plans, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the surprise. Even Cena’s wife was kept in the dark about the storyline development.
The Retirement Tour
Cena had previously announced that 2025 would serve as his retirement tour, signaling the end of his in-ring career. Despite transitioning to Hollywood in recent years, Cena’s passion for wrestling remains evident.
Embracing his new heel persona, Cena has threatened to retire as champion and take the title with him, leaving WWE without its top championship. This storyline has added a layer of unpredictability to his final run.
Fan Reactions and Betting Buzz
Fans in his home state are keeping a close eye on developments using BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts. While some fans have embraced Cena’s new direction, others are critical of the abrupt character shift. Nonetheless, the heel turn has undeniably reignited interest in Cena’s WWE career.
The Role of The Rock and Travis Scott
The Rock’s involvement in Cena’s heel turn has been a focal point of the storyline, with speculation about his intentions and future appearances.
Rapper Travis Scott’s unexpected interference in the WrestleMania 41 main event added another layer of controversy to Cena’s victory, leaving fans questioning the legitimacy of the win.
The Fallout on Raw
Cena is set to appear on Raw just 24 hours after his WrestleMania victory, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move and potential challengers.
With Cena’s heel turn and championship win, WWE has a plethora of storyline possibilities to explore, including potential feuds and title defenses.
The Future of Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes, having lost the Undisputed WWE Championship, is expected to address his defeat and plot his path forward in the coming weeks.
Given the controversial nature of the WrestleMania 41 main event, a rematch between Cena and Rhodes is highly anticipated, possibly at a future pay-per-view event.
Cena’s Legacy and Hollywood Career
Beyond WWE, Cena has built a successful Hollywood career, starring in films like “Trainwreck” and “Peacemaker.” His transition from wrestling to acting has been seamless, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.
Even after retiring from in-ring competition, Cena has expressed his desire to remain involved with WWE through mentorship and advocacy, emphasizing his unwavering passion for the business.
The Impact on WWE’s Landscape
Cena’s heel turn and championship win have significantly altered WWE’s landscape, creating new opportunities for storylines and character development.
With Cena at the helm as a heel champion, WWE is poised for an exciting period of storytelling, leading up to major events like SummerSlam and beyond.
The Final Act of a WWE Titan
John Cena’s record-setting 17th world championship didn’t just elevate his legacy—it detonated the entire WWE landscape. By beating Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, using heel tactics, Cena flipped decades of loyalty, hustle, and respect into something far darker.
For fans in West Newbury, Massachusetts, this twist feels personal. Their hometown hero now walks a fine line between legend and villain, carrying a title that redefines history and a persona that challenges everything they thought they knew about him.
With 2025 being labeled his farewell year, Cena has turned his final run into must-see drama. Will he defend the title with the cunning of a villain? Will Rhodes get revenge? Or will Cena retire with the gold, ending his career by tearing down everything he once stood for?
No recaps. No redemption arc—just the raw, ruthless endgame of a once-hero turned iconoclast. John Cena isn’t just chasing history anymore. He’s rewriting it.
