WWE SummerSlam 2025 will take place this weekend in New Jersey, marking the event’s first-ever two-night format at the iconic MetLife Stadium. Cody Rhodes, speaking in a detailed interview with Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata of WFAN Sports Radio New York, emphasized the importance of this expansion and the challenges it brings, especially as it involves the historic John Cena SummerSlam 2025 showdown. The move to two nights aims to provide fans with a more immersive experience while balancing the needs of the performers.
The Impact of Expanding SummerSlam to Two Nights
Rhodes expressed enthusiasm about the shift to a two-night event, explaining that spreading the action helps both the audience and the wrestlers. He compared a long single show to a movie marathon, noting,
“You can’t sit there for seven hours—a marathon show. It ends up hurting the crowd a little bit and then it sets up those who go last for not the best scenario.”
By dividing the event, attendees receive more value and excitement each evening, and wrestlers get better opportunities to headline without being squeezed into an overly crowded card.
The stadium setting in New Jersey adds to the grandeur as MetLife Stadium is considered WWE’s backyard. Rhodes highlighted,
“A lot of energy. Plus, we’re at WWE’s backyard and it needs to be—the first one needs to be the absolute best one to set the standard.”
The event will also feature notable appearances including Jelly Roll, Cardi B, and John Cena’s Farewell Tour, promising surprises across both nights.
Exploring Gimmick Matches and Iconic Dangers
When asked about unique match types he would like to see, Rhodes shared thoughts on some intense and brutal formats. He mentioned interest in a “First Blood” match but dismissed a Dog Collar match due to safety concerns involving neck injuries. He also reflected on his past experiences and fascination with matches involving barbed wire ropes, as seen with legends like Dusty Rhodes and Tully Blanchard, describing them as “a performer’s, competitor’s dream.”
Rhodes recalled the dramatic nature and real danger involved in such matches, cautioning that modern standards have made some gimmick matches more difficult to pull off safely and realistically. He referenced iconic moments, such as Triple H using a barbed wire-wrapped 2×4 set on fire during Hell in a Cell, as examples of the high-risk elements wrestlers once embraced.
Cody Rhodes Discusses His Intense Rivalry with John Cena
Central to the conversation was Rhodes’s open dialogue about his relationship with John Cena, describing Cena as
“my legitimate—one of three mentors in wrestling”
and sharing how early in his career he drove Cena around during shows. He acknowledged Cena’s iconic status, noting the frenzy surrounding his appearances as WWE’s face during his prime.
Rhodes did not shy away from addressing the competitive edge between them as they approach SummerSlam 2025, stating,
“I am not here as a fan. I’m not here as an apprentice. I’m trying to be here and tell you, ‘Hey, it’s good. I’m gonna take WWE now.’”
He recognized that this perspective may upset John Cena’s fanbase but justified it by emphasizing growth beyond mentorship towards rivalry and legacy.
He captured the intensity of their feud with these words:
“I heard John so many times talk about, ‘I’m not gonna ever hand this off. I’m not passing this. You’re gonna have to outrun me.’”
Rhodes believes Cena understands the current landscape of WWE stars like CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Roman Reigns, and himself, and that Cena faces a challenge he’s not used to—someone who might surpass him.
Despite the candid nature of his remarks, Rhodes concluded with respect, saying, “God, I respect him.” The rivalry promises a memorable and electrifying encounter that reflects a generational shift within WWE.
Significance of SummerSlam’s Transformation and What Lies Ahead
WWE’s decision to expand SummerSlam into a two-night event held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium symbolizes a new era in the company’s flagship pay-per-view history. This format provides the stage for diverse talent to shine without the constraints of single-night time limits, elevating both fan experience and talent performance.
The highly anticipated showdown between Cody Rhodes and John Cena is more than a headline bout; it embodies the transition of WWE’s leadership and competitive spirit. With Rhodes openly challenging Cena’s legacy and Cena entering the fray as a challenger to his own storied dominance, this feud adds a compelling narrative to SummerSlam 2025’s story.
Audiences can expect intense matches, unexpected moments, and groundbreaking presentations over both nights, setting a precedent for future events to emulate. As Rhodes noted, if this format succeeds, it may influence other major WWE shows, possibly even WrestleMania, to adopt a multi-night approach.
