Cody Rhodes is scheduled to challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event of SummerSlam 2025. Following his controversial loss at WrestleMania 41, Rhodes has pursued redemption, and now he appears ready to introduce a dramatic element to their showdown. The 40-year-old wrestler might propose an ‘I Quit’ match as the defining stipulation to raise the stakes at WWE’s biggest summer event.
This iconic match type, known for intense physicality and emotional intensity, could bring the Rhodes-Cena rivalry to a new level. Since their conflict began at the Elimination Chamber earlier this year, some critics have felt the feud lacked sufficient heat. Adding the ‘I Quit’ stipulation could inject much-needed brutality and urgency into their championship contest.
How the Stipulation Could Transform Their Championship Battle
Incorporating an ‘I Quit’ match would amplify the rivalry by demanding that a competitor publicly surrender, a rare and powerful moment in WWE storytelling. John Cena, famously recognized for his “Never Give Up” catchphrase, has never been forced to say “I Quit” in WWE competition. If Rhodes manages to make Cena utter those words, it would dramatically alter Cena’s tough persona and mark a significant victory for Rhodes.
Such an outcome would not only elevate Rhodes’ status but could also serve as a turning point for Cena’s character. Losing through this humiliating defeat might lead Cena to reconsider his attitude, sparking the beginning of a babyface transformation. This change in character could revitalise Cena’s presence as he approaches the final phase of his career.
Significance of This Match Within Cena’s Retirement Tour
John Cena is currently navigating a retirement tour, with SummerSlam 2025 set to be his last appearance as an in-ring performer at the event. The timing makes this match an ideal opportunity for WWE to redefine Cena’s character before he transitions away from regular competition. Having Rhodes dethrone Cena in such a definitive manner at SummerSlam — often dubbed The Biggest Party of The Summer — would be a symbolic passing of the torch within the company.
This stipulation could also mark the conclusion of their intense feud, allowing Cena to move on to new storylines or retire with a clear character arc. The dramatic potential of the ‘I Quit’ stipulation aligns well with Cena’s legendary resilience and would deliver a memorable climax to their rivalry.
Expectations for the End of the Rhodes-Cena Feud at SummerSlam
The battle between Cody Rhodes and John Cena has escalated since Cena’s heel turn at the Elimination Chamber event, growing increasingly personal over recent months. Fans are anticipating that SummerSlam will serve as the final chapter in this bitter conflict.
With limited appearances remaining on Cena’s retirement tour, WWE is unlikely to extend this storyline beyond this summer’s marquee event. Post-SummerSlam, the company is expected to focus on fresh rivalries for both superstars, as continuing their feud would no longer be practical given Cena’s decreasing schedule.
Other talents on the roster, including Gunther, AJ Styles, and Drew McIntyre, are rumored to be in line for matches against Cena in the near future. However, booking these encounters will be challenging due to the few dates left on Cena’s in-ring calendar.
It appears that their confrontation at MetLife Stadium will deliver closure, wrapping up one of WWE’s most significant feuds of 2025, just as Cena approaches the closing stages of his celebrated career.
