Cody Rhodes and John Cena Brawl at SmackDown Contract Signing

 On the July 18, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, the wrestling world witnessed a chaotic contract signing between Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena and challenger Cody Rhodes. The segment, designed to formalize their SummerSlam title match, escalated into a brutal brawl, culminating in Rhodes forcing Cena to sign the contract and revealing a Street Fight stipulation for their highly anticipated WrestleMania 41 rematch.

Cody Rhodes and John Cena Brawl at SmackDown Contract Signing

The night opened with turmoil, as a car crash involving Solo Sikoa’s MFT faction set a tense tone. Amid this chaos, Cody Rhodes, the 2025 King of the Ring, approached General Manager Adam Pearce to review the SummerSlam contract, hinting at a calculated move. As the main event approached, anticipation built for the face-to-face between Rhodes and Cena, the self-proclaimed “Last Real Champion” and a 17-time world champion nearing his retirement in December 2025.

Rhodes entered the ring to a mixed reaction, with initial boos turning to cheers as his music played. He delivered a passionate promo, reflecting on his journey since returning to WWE. He admitted to “flinching” at WrestleMania 41, where Cena, with an assist from Travis Scott, controversially won the Undisputed WWE Championship. Rhodes vowed not to hesitate again, emphasizing his King of the Ring victory over Randy Orton as proof of his resolve. He signed the contract swiftly, urging Pearce to bring out Cena.

Cody Rhodes and John Cena Brawl at SmackDown Contract Signing

Cena’s entrance was met with a “Cena!” chant, but his demeanor was uncharacteristically subdued. Claiming emotional and physical exhaustion from Hollywood commitments, Cena stunned the crowd by refusing to compete at SummerSlam, suggesting a rematch in Paris or Perth instead. As he attempted to leave, Rhodes’ frustration erupted. The American Nightmare chased Cena up the ramp, igniting a fierce brawl at ringside.

The exchange was intense, with Cena hurling Rhodes into the steel steps and attempting to use the championship belt as a weapon. Rhodes dodged, seizing the belt and striking Cena—though fans noted a botched moment where the hit missed. Undeterred, Rhodes maintained dominance, kicking Cena in the gut and setting up a dramatic finish. He climbed the top rope, contract in hand, and delivered a frog splash, crashing Cena through a table in the ring. In a bold move, Rhodes grabbed Cena’s hand, forced his signature onto the contract, and revealed the match would be a Street Fight, amplifying the stakes for SummerSlam on August 2-3, 2025, at MetLife Stadium.

Cody Rhodes and John Cena Brawl at SmackDown Contract Signing

This segment highlighted Rhodes’ evolution, showcasing a fiercer edge that some speculate hints at a potential heel turn. Cena’s reluctance and subsequent ovation from fans post-show, chanting “Thank you, Cena,” underscored his complex heel-babyface dynamic. The Street Fight stipulation, added without Cena’s consent, raises questions about potential repercussions, with some suggesting General Manager Nick Aldis could intervene due to the contract’s controversial signing.

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The brawl not only solidified Rhodes’ determination to reclaim the title but also intensified the narrative of Cena’s farewell tour. As SummerSlam approaches, the Street Fight promises a brutal showdown, with Rhodes aiming to dethrone Cena and “save the industry” from the champion’s vow to “ruin wrestling.” This chaotic contract signing has set the stage for an unforgettable clash at WWE’s biggest party of the summer.