Cody Rhodes appeared on SmackDown with a clear purpose, addressing his upcoming rematch against John Cena at SummerSlam next month. Rhodes emphasized that he wants to face the true version of John Cena in a Street Fight match rather than the reluctant competitor currently present in <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE.
Reflecting on his recent actions, including forging Cena’s signature to secure the title bout, Rhodes expressed frustration toward Cena’s attitude about their match. He insisted that only the genuine, fully committed Cena deserves to compete against him, especially for the prestigious championship Cena holds.
Cody Rhodes Demands Authentic John Cena for SummerSlam Battle
During his SmackDown segment, Rhodes made it clear he does not respect the version of Cena who is unwilling to compete and seemingly counting down the days until his departure. He stated that the upcoming match must feature the “real John Cena” so Rhodes can prove himself against the best. He acknowledged the value of the title Cena currently holds as the highest honor in their sport, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement.
“I don’t want to wrestle this John Cena. I don’t want to fight a guy who didn’t even want this match in the first place. I don’t want to fight a guy who’s counting the days until he’s out the door. No, at SummerSlam I want to fight the real John Cena, because if I’m going to stand here and own it, I need to know that I can go through the very best. And the title that John Cena has, it’s the biggest title in our game. It means he is the very best.” —Cody Rhodes
The storyline took an unexpected turn last week when Rhodes forced the situation by making Cena acknowledge the fine print in their contract, which stipulated that their match would be a Street Fight. This condition raises the stakes for the bout, suggesting a more brutal and personal confrontation.
Honoring Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan During SmackDown
Before focussing on Cena, Cody Rhodes paid tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, recognizing his immense influence on WWE and the professional wrestling industry as a whole. Rhodes highlighted Hogan’s significant accomplishments and his role as the original icon of sports entertainment, acknowledging the emotional complexity surrounding Hogan’s passing.
“Yesterday, WWE and pro-wrestling lost one of its giants in Hulk Hogan. And I know emotions and feelings regarding it are complicated, but what is not complicated is his accomplishments and his contributions to WWE, to sports entertainment, to pro-wrestling, to entertainment as a whole. They are staggering and they are indisputable. So, as someone who gets to stand here and say that I’m a WWE Superstar, he was the original and I just want to take a moment to say ‘Thank you, Hulk Hogan’.” —Cody Rhodes
The episode commenced with a ten-bell salute in Hogan’s honor, followed by a video package narrated by Triple H that chronicled Hogan’s journey in wrestling and his enduring legacy within WWE and beyond.
Implications for SummerSlam and WWE’s Championship Landscape
Cody Rhodes’s firm stance on facing only the authentic John Cena sets a tense and charged atmosphere heading into SummerSlam. His challenge reflects deeper themes of respect, legacy, and proving oneself against the truest competition. With the Street Fight stipulation in place, fans can anticipate an intense and emotionally driven match that may define Rhodes’s trajectory and Cena’s role as a competitor during this phase of his career.
This confrontation between Rhodes and Cena will not only impact the WWE Championship storyline but also test both men’s willingness to fully commit to their roles in a high-stakes contest. As SummerSlam approaches, the wrestling world watches closely to see if the “real John Cena” will answer the challenge posed by the “American Nightmare.”
