John Cena is set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025, continuing his high-profile retirement tour in the Stamford-based promotion. There is growing speculation that veteran star Wade Barrett could unexpectedly influence the outcome, potentially costing Cena his title in a major twist during the SummerSlam event.
Potential Return of Wade Barrett Threatens John Cena’s Championship Reign
As Cena prepares for what many believe will be his final appearances, he has already faced top competitors such as Randy Orton and CM Punk. However, talk around WWE suggests Wade Barrett, known for his long-standing rivalry with Cena dating back to the Nexus faction era, may return seeking revenge. Barrett’s involvement could dramatically affect the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.
Wade Barrett’s history with Cena goes back nearly 15 years, with their feud during the Nexus storyline cited as a key factor in the faction’s collapse. Barrett currently serves on WWE’s commentary team but continues to hold a significant presence among fans. Recently, WWE released a comprehensive video recounting the feud between Cena and Nexus, highlighting how Cena ultimately prevailed in the tag team elimination match at SummerSlam 2010.
In a surprising development, Barrett has publicly expressed openness to wrestling again if the company presents a compelling story for his comeback. This opens the door for a potential moment at SummerSlam 2025 where Barrett could intervene in the Cena vs. Cody Rhodes match. Such interference would not only support Rhodes in capturing the title but also serve as a storyline of long-awaited retribution for Barrett against Cena.
This angle could enrich Cena’s retirement tour by revisiting an iconic chapter from his career while providing the creative team, led by Triple H, an opportunity to reaffirm Cena as a heroic figure before his final match.
Upcoming SmackDown Set to Feature a Heated Confrontation Between Cena and Rhodes
WWE has announced a major segment for John Cena on the next episode of SmackDown, where he will share the stage with Cody Rhodes. This planned appearance hints at an intense verbal showdown between the two stars, ramping up anticipation ahead of their championship clash at SummerSlam 2025.
With only three SmackDown episodes remaining before SummerSlam, the promotion appears focused on building a compelling storyline to maximize audience engagement. Fans can expect WWE to carefully develop the rivalry between Cena and Rhodes, setting the stage for what could be a memorable and dramatic encounter at the “Biggest Party of the Summer.”
Revenge and Legacy Could Define SummerSlam’s Most Unexpected Development
Should Wade Barrett’s involvement come to fruition, SummerSlam 2025 may become one of the most talked-about events in recent WWE history. Barrett’s potential interference carries weight, not merely for the immediate championship implications but for the way it ties together nearly two decades of wrestling history.
By revisiting the Cena vs. Nexus story in this final chapter of Cena’s in-ring career, WWE will deliver a layered narrative connecting past rivalries to present stakes. This storyline could also provide one last high-stakes showdown between Cena and Barrett, creating a meaningful farewell that resonates deeply with long-time fans and adds drama to Cena’s farewell journey.
