At WWE SummerSlam 2025, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes reclaimed his championship by defeating John Cena in a brutal and emotionally charged Street Fight on the event’s second night. In a recent ESPN interview, Rhodes opened up about the physical and emotional toll of the match and shared his reflections on Cena’s legendary career as he approaches the sunset of his in-ring tenure.
Cody Rhodes dubbed the high-stakes showdown “one of those matches where every moment counts,” underscoring the intensity and significance of their rivalry. He revealed, “I’m up today and bouncing around, but certainly it was a match that demanded everything I had”[1]. The Street Fight served as the culmination of a multi-month feud that saw Rhodes avenge his earlier WrestleMania 41 loss to Cena, where interference helped Cena capture his record-breaking 17th world championship.
The match itself was a brutal back-and-forth affair, with both men pushing their limits in a contest marked by aggressive weapon use, high-impact maneuvers, and dramatic near-falls[2][5]. Rhodes weathered attacks with steel steps and chairs before hitting his signature Cross Rhodes finisher multiple times. Cena responded with a series of spectacular Attitude Adjustments, including a Super AA, keeping the match razor-close until Rhodes ultimately prevailed with a final Cross Rhodes through a table[2]. The physicality was matched by the emotional weight, as the two competitors shared a mutual show of respect in the ring post-match before Cody exited, leaving Cena to reflect on their war.
According to WWE.com and Fightful sources, Rhodes’ victory represented not just a title win but a transformative moment in his career, embodying his journey from an aspiring underdog to the company’s top star and “The American Nightmare” persona. Insiders revealed that behind the scenes, Rhodes was laser-focused on proving that the loss at WrestleMania was a detour, not a destination, with meticulous preparation emphasizing both storytelling and athleticism[1][2].
WWE fans and analysts alike also noted the added drama injected by Brock Lesnar’s surprise return after the match, where The Beast Incarnate confronted Cena in a tense showdown that left the WWE Universe buzzing[2]. This unexpected twist has set the stage for fresh rivalries as Rhodes solidifies his reign.
Beyond SummerSlam, Rhodes expressed admiration for John Cena’s career and legacy on several wrestling podcasts and interviews following the event. He described Cena’s final run as “powerful, respectful, and a testament to his greatness,” acknowledging the immense challenge of facing a 17-time world champion with such experience and heart[1]. “John is WWE royalty, and to stand across from him in such an epic match—it’s a career-defining moment,” Rhodes added.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that the Street Fight was crafted to highlight both wrestlers’ strengths: Cena’s resilience and iconic moveset juxtaposed with Rhodes’ relentless aggression and innovative offense[3]. The match, held in front of a packed crowd at MetLife Stadium, delivered on its promise to be one of the most memorable encounters in SummerSlam history, blending storytelling, physicality, and high drama seamlessly.
In the aftermath, Rhodes has already been linked to fresh challengers, but the echoes of this SummerSlam main event continue to reverberate throughout WWE’s narrative. Wrestling journalist Matt Kempke praised the bout on social media as “the best version of Cody Rhodes we’ve ever seen—driven, focused, and utterly relentless,” capturing the immense energy that flowed throughout the contest[3].
As the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes has set a new standard for main-event excellence. With the spotlight firmly on his next moves, the WWE Universe eagerly anticipates how Rhodes will defend his title and build on the legacy cemented alongside a legend like John Cena.
Sources: WWE.com, ESPN interview with Cody Rhodes, Fightful reports, Matt Kempke’s wrestling coverage on YouTube, and multiple post-SummerSlam podcasts and interviews[1][2][3][5].