John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes: A Historic Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025

 On August 3, 2025, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, erupted as WWE SummerSlam 2025 delivered a monumental main event on Night 2. The Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena faced Cody Rhodes in a brutal Street Fight, a rematch from their controversial WrestleMania 41 clash. This no-holds-barred spectacle, part of the first-ever two-night SummerSlam, captivated over 60,000 fans and millions streaming on Peacock and Netflix, marking a defining moment in WWE history.

John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes: A Historic Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025

The feud between Cena and Rhodes intensified after WrestleMania 41, where Cena, in a shocking heel turn, defeated Rhodes for the title with help from The Rock’s interference. Cena’s 17th world championship reign, a record-breaking achievement, was marred by his vow to “ruin wrestling” by retiring with the belt in December 2025. Rhodes, the 2025 King of the Ring winner, earned his title shot by defeating Randy Orton at Night of Champions. Determined to reclaim the championship and save WWE’s legacy, Rhodes forced Cena to sign the contract for a Street Fight after a tense SmackDown confrontation, where Cena initially tried to back out, citing exhaustion.

The match was a chaotic masterpiece, embodying the anything-goes nature of a Street Fight. From the opening bell, both superstars unleashed a torrent of aggression. Cena, reverting to his babyface persona on the go-home SmackDown, started with a heartfelt hug, but the goodwill quickly dissolved into a slugfest. Rhodes charged Cena into the corner, only for Cena to overpower him, sending him crashing to the floor. The action spilled outside, with Cena stealing a crutch from NBA star Tyrese Haliburton at ringside to batter Rhodes. Not to be outdone, Rhodes reversed a whip, sending Cena through steel steps.

John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes: A Historic Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025

The ring became a battlefield of weapons and high-risk maneuvers. Cena introduced steel steps into the ring, attempting an Attitude Adjustment, but Rhodes countered with a scoop slam onto the metal. Cena retaliated by hurling the steps over the ropes, catching Rhodes on the floor in a jaw-dropping moment. The two traded devastating moves—Rhodes’ piledriver, a rare banned maneuver, and Cena’s Code Red on the floor electrified the crowd. Nearfalls piled up as Rhodes hit a moonsault and Disaster Kick, while Cena answered with multiple Attitude Adjustments, including one off the top rope.

John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes: A Historic Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025

The match’s climax saw Rhodes unscrew a turnbuckle, using the metal to strike Cena. Despite Cena’s relentless STF attempts, Rhodes fought back, wrapping ropes around Cena’s neck in a desperate escape. After a flurry of finishers, including three Cross Rhodes, Rhodes sealed the victory with a breathtaking Cody Cutter through a table from the top rope, followed by a final Cross Rhodes to pin Cena and reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship.

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Post-match, Cena handed Rhodes the title, raising his arm in a gesture of respect, cementing Rhodes as WWE’s top star. As Cena soaked in the crowd’s adoration at his final SummerSlam, Brock Lesnar’s music hit, shocking the WWE Universe. The Beast Incarnate, absent since 2023, delivered an F-5 to Cena, hinting at a future clash before Cena’s retirement. This Street Fight not only crowned Rhodes as champion but also set the stage for new rivalries, leaving fans buzzing about WWE’s future.