The lights dimmed at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025, as WrestleMania 41 Night 2 concluded, but John Cena ensured the drama continued long after the cameras stopped rolling. Fresh off his victory over Cody Rhodes to claim his record-setting 17th world championship, Cena’s post-match actions ignited a firestorm of reactions. As he exited the ring, the new Undisputed WWE Champion wore the title belt backwards, smirking at the Las Vegas crowd’s mix of boos and “Thank You, Cena” chants. The gesture, captured in viral footage, was a deliberate taunt, cementing his recent heel turn and sparking debate about his legacy as he nears retirement.
Cena’s heel persona, a sharp departure from his decades-long role as WWE’s heroic figurehead, was on full display. The controversial finish to the main event—marred by a low blow and interference from rapper Travis Scott—had already divided fans. Yet, Cena doubled down backstage, strutting through the tunnel with an air of arrogance. At the post-WrestleMania press conference, he leaned further into his villainous role, responding to questions about his future with a biting, “Tune in to Monday Night RAW to see how I ruin wrestling.” The quip drew gasps and cheers, amplifying the polarizing narrative surrounding his 17th title reign.
The WWE Universe erupted online, with X posts reflecting the split sentiment. Some fans lamented the tarnishing of Cena’s farewell, arguing that his final WrestleMania deserved a heroic crescendo, not a heel-driven spectacle. Others embraced the bold reinvention, praising Cena’s ability to provoke at 47. Emotional tributes also surfaced, with fans noting a fleeting moment when Cena, amid the crowd’s gratitude, briefly broke character, acknowledging his storied career. The celebration in the ring, joined by Travis Scott and punctuated by pyro, was a spectacle, but it left many questioning WWE’s creative direction.
Cody Rhodes’ silence post-match only fueled the controversy. His loss, coupled with Cena’s antagonistic exit, has led to speculation about his future in WWE, with some suggesting a potential departure. The locker room, too, is reportedly divided, with younger stars admiring Cena’s audacity while veterans question the booking choices that overshadowed Rhodes’ momentum. The absence of expected surprises, like appearances from The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin, further disappointed fans, who felt the main event lacked the grandeur befitting Cena’s milestone.
As Cena embarks on his 2025 farewell tour, his actions post-WrestleMania have set a provocative tone for his final WWE chapter. The backwards belt, the biting press conference remarks, and the heel-driven narrative signal a champion unafraid to challenge expectations. Whether this reinvention elevates his legacy or alienates his fanbase remains to be seen. For now, Cena’s exit from WrestleMania 41 has ensured that his 17th championship reign will be remembered as much for its controversy as for its historic significance, leaving the wrestling world eagerly awaiting his next move.
