At SummerSlam Night 2, Cody Rhodes and John Cena brought their longstanding rivalry to a close while reigniting a new one, setting the stage for an intense showdown featuring Brock Lesnar. Rhodes’s match prediction places Cena as the likely victor over Lesnar in their upcoming clash, highlighting the significance of the moment for fans and the wrestling world alike.
Rhodes Ends Rivalry with Cena and Ignites New Feud with Lesnar
Cody Rhodes defeated John Cena at the August SummerSlam event held at MetLife Stadium, gaining his second Undisputed WWE Championship. Following the hard-fought match, the two wrestlers embraced, with Rhodes respectfully stepping away to allow Cena, a 17-time World Champion, his moment in the spotlight. The crowd celebrated Cena’s legacy until Brock Lesnar shocked everyone by entering the ring unexpectedly, striking Cena with an F-5.
Lesnar’s return caught Cena off guard, as the two last met in a SummerSlam 2023 face-off where Rhodes had bested Lesnar. Between that event and Lesnar’s surprising reappearance at the 2025 SummerSlam, Lesnar was mentioned in a lawsuit involving former WWE employee Janel Grant, who accused Vince McMahon of sexual assault and trafficking. Despite the allegations, WWE’s legal team reportedly found no grounds to pursue an action against McMahon, although the civil case remains ongoing.
Upcoming Wrestlepalooza Match Confirmed as Lesnar Challenges Cena
After Lesnar’s sudden attack at SummerSlam, speculation arose that he would be Cena’s next opponent on the latter’s retirement tour, a fact later officially confirmed. Scheduled for September 20, Wrestlepalooza will begin with the high-profile match between these two legendary wrestlers, which will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Cody Rhodes discussed the match during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, expressing his enthusiasm and sharing his expert Cody Rhodes match prediction. When asked by host Mike Greenberg about what fans should expect, Rhodes emphasized the unique nature of the contest and placed his faith in Cena for victory.
“It’s a very special match-up. In terms of Brock Lesnar, former UFC Heavyweight Champion, won the NCAAs, which is the hardest tournament in all of folkstyle wrestling. But then there’s John Cena. And John Cena is the ultimate red light guy, can do things that nobody can do. So, I’m giving John Cena the edge, but these guys won’t be here forever. This is a special moment in time. I’m excited to see it myself.” – Cody Rhodes, WWE Champion
Legal Controversies Surround Brock Lesnar’s Return
Brock Lesnar’s comeback to the WWE ring amid ongoing legal matters has stirred considerable attention. His involvement in the lawsuit alongside Vince McMahon, despite no current actions being taken by WWE’s legal team against McMahon, adds complexity to the narrative. The situation continues to unfold alongside Lesnar’s wrestling activities, impacting both legal discussions and audience perceptions.
Other WWE Developments and Backstage Insights
In addition to the high-stakes match at Wrestlepalooza, various updates have emerged from the WWE universe. A major announcement was made concerning WWE’s WrestleMania weekend events planned for Saudi Arabia, signaling significant expansion and strategic efforts by WWE globally. Furthermore, a prominent WWE star revealed reasons behind choosing to work in NXT rather than immediately joining the main roster, shedding light on talent development and career pathways.
Veteran wrestler CM Punk has indicated potential backstage roles following his in-ring retirement, hinting at his desire to contribute behind the scenes. Meanwhile, a WWE Hall of Famer candidly admitted to ignoring calls from the Stamford-based company after retiring, reflecting on complex relationships between retired stars and WWE’s management. Another wrestling legend shared insights on retiring at just 32 years old, illustrating the personal challenges within the sport.
AEW has also made waves recently, with the last competitor qualifying for the AEW All Out title match during a Dynamite episode, stirring excitement among fans. Additionally, AEW star Ricochet offered an honest take on WWE’s aggressive counter-programming strategies, underscoring the competitive atmosphere between wrestling promotions. In a more contentious moment, MJF targeted a former WWE superstar with an intensely personal insult, highlighting ongoing rivalries and tension in the wrestling community.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of the Upcoming Clash
The stage is set for what many see as a defining moment in current WWE history. The match between John Cena and Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza represents not only a clash of two wrestling titans but also a passing of a torch in many respects. Cody Rhodes’s belief in Cena’s edge speaks to Cena’s resilience and unparalleled skill, underscoring the passion and intensity driving this final chapter in Cena’s career.
This contest will likely captivate audiences worldwide, offering a blend of legacy, athleticism, and storytelling that defines wrestling’s appeal. As fans anticipate the showdown on September 20, the outcomes may shape the WWE landscape and influence future rivalries and storylines across the promotion.
