In 2025, John Cena and Cody Rhodes have engaged in several high-profile confrontations, culminating in a much-anticipated championship bout at SummerSlam. The latest encounter between these two took place at WrestleMania 41, where Cena defeated Rhodes to claim a record 17th world title. Following this loss, Rhodes briefly stepped away from the ring but made a comeback on May 24 during Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXIX.
Since his return, Rhodes has remained in the spotlight by competing alongside Jey Uso in a tag team match at the Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View event. Cena fought alongside Logan Paul during the same match. More recently, Rhodes captured the King of the Ring Tournament crown, which earned him a title shot against the reigning champion at SummerSlam.
The rivalry took a dramatic turn when Cena tried to withdraw from their scheduled match, only to be ambushed and coerced by Rhodes into signing the contract, setting the stage for their next confrontation. This series of events intensifies the stakes for the Cody Rhodes SummerSlam Championship prediction among fans and analysts alike.
Unexpected Outcome Forecasted for Cena vs. Rhodes Showdown
As the SummerSlam event approaches, many expect Cody Rhodes to reclaim the championship, and there is speculation about an imminent heel turn for him during the event dubbed ‘the Biggest Party of the Summer.’ Despite these expectations, a surprising forecast has emerged from former WWE star and analyst Matthew Rehwoldt, known in wrestling circles as Aiden English.
On the REBOOKED Wrestling Podcast, Rehwoldt expressed his belief that Cena will retain the title and that Rhodes will move beyond his current storyline. He suggested that Cena might resort to some questionable tactics, and Rhodes could experience a dramatic villainous shift later in his career. According to Rehwoldt, this match marks a turning point in Cena’s retirement tour and Rhodes’ character development.
I think this is more just Cena wins. I think he will do some pretty sh*tty things. And I think we’ll move on from Cody. I think it’s truly gonna be move Cody on to something else, maybe he has a heel turn, an infamous heel turn with someone else. I think this is Cena moving on. [1:35:18 onwards]
John Cena currently has 14 matches remaining on his retirement schedule, which adds pressure to this pivotal SummerSlam event.
Jey Uso’s Unexpected Incident at WWE Event
Aside from the upcoming championship fight, WWE’s Jey Uso experienced an awkward moment outside the ring due to a parking lot confusion during a recent WWE show. This incident caught attention among fans and added an unusual footnote to the ongoing WWE narratives.
AJ Styles’ Ambitions Before Retirement
AJ Styles also remains a key figure in WWE with aspirations to participate in a special match before retiring. Although he has not publicly committed to a specific bout, his wishes have generated interest and speculation within the wrestling community.
Santino Marella’s Return and Title Pursuit
Veteran wrestler and TNA’s Director of Authority, Santino Marella, has made a notable return to WWE, setting his sights once again on championship gold. His recent efforts underline the competitive atmosphere leading up to summer events and highlight the ongoing reshuffling of contenders for WWE’s top prizes.
Criticism from Triple H Regarding WWE Talent
Triple H voiced sharp criticism about male wrestlers at the WWE Performance Center, claiming that female athletes currently outperform their male counterparts. His candid remarks have stirred conversations about the development and future prospects of WWE talent on both sides of the roster.
Controversies Surrounding Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon
Former ally of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan publicly accused Hogan’s wife and friends of deceit regarding the wrestler’s health condition. Meanwhile, new revelations surfaced about Vince McMahon, indicating that police may have been surveilling the WWE Chairman prior to a serious car accident. These developments have added layers of complexity and intrigue within the wrestling world’s off-ring drama.
Insights Into WWE: Unreal and Personal Relationships
The recent documentary WWE: Unreal has shed light on behind-the-scenes challenges and relationships in wrestling. WWE Champion Rhea Ripley and CM Punk addressed how their personal romance has revealed less visible aspects of the business, further humanizing the wrestlers behind the spectacle.
Implications of the SummerSlam Match for WWE’s Future
The SummerSlam confrontation between John Cena and Cody Rhodes represents a critical moment for WWE’s storytelling and championship landscape. Should Cena retain the title as predicted, it could pave the way for Rhodes to enter a darker, more villainous phase of his career, likely altering his alliances and rivalries.
This transition may also signal a continued evolution of storylines as Cena nears the end of his retirement tour, potentially elevating newer talents and reshaping championship dynamics in WWE’s coming months.
