John Cena vs Cody Rhodes- a feud which started in the early part of 2025 is set to witness its second chapter when they clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship title at WWE SummerSlam 2025. The two superstars had faced each other back at WrestleMania 41, where John Cena had defeated the 'American Nightmare' Cody Rhodes, albeit in a controversial manner, to win what was a record-breaking 17th world title of his storied career. This time, though, the roles have been reversed--John Cena is the champion now and he will have to defend the title against Cody Rhodes, who is on the lookout for redemption after what happened at the 'show of shows'. They will main event the second night of what is the first-ever two-night SummerSlam. And there's a stipulation as well! It will be a street fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship and in this article, we shall explore some John Cena vs Cody Rhodes predictions, most specifically three possible endings to the match. John Cena Seemingly Returns to Being a Babyface Before Defending Undisputed WWE Title Against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025 (Watch Video).

Cody Rhodes had earned the opportunity to face John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam after he won the King of the Ring tournament in June. The 'American Nightmare' knocked off his mentor and friend Randy Orton to claim the crown and now, he has the opportunity to win back gold and reclaim the top spot in WWE once again. But he is up against John Cena, the self-proclaimed 'Last Real Champion', who promised to retire with the Undisputed WWE Championship and 'ruin wrestling'. This match is set to be an absolute must-watch.

The 'Real' John Cena Faces Cody Rhodes

Clean Victories for Either Cody Rhodes or John Cena

So, here's the first prediction. While the prospect of an interference in any form or the other is very much probable in the John Cena vs Cody Rhodes Undisputed WWE Championship match, one cannot entirely rule out the chances of a clean finish to the contest as well, unlike what happened at WWE WrestleMania 41. Cody Rhodes, as mentioned before, will look to have some revenge after being beaten at WWE WrestleMania 41. And for John Cena, it would be a final appearance at the PLE (Premium Live Event), considered the second-biggest in WWE after WrestleMania.  WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 Free Live Streaming Online: Get Wrestling PLE Live Telecast Details on TV With Match Card and Time in IST.

John Cena vs Cody Rhodes WWE WrestleMania 41 Match Video Highlights

Cody Rhodes, like he did against Randy Orton in the King of the Ring final at Night of Champions, could be predicted to deploy heelish tactics like injuring John Cena first and then focusing on that to capitalise in the match and eventually come out with a clean win. He also teased a heel turn when he took out John Cena on SmackDown in San Antonio and forced him to sign their SummerSlam contract. However, the last WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam 2025 saw John Cena discard his heel persona and turn babyface in Newark, shaking hands with Cody Rhodes and even sharing a beer with him.

With this being a street fight, expect interferences. A clean victory over John Cena, without any interference, would give Cody Rhodes massive momentum and could potentially indicate the passing of the torch, making the 'American Nightmare' the top guy in the industry. On the other hand, a clean victory for John Cena might either help him further establish his stance as the 'Last Real Champion' or it can lead to the start of him slowly giving up on his heel character, thereby returning to the babyface that he has been so far in his illustrious career. Either way, predicting the fact that John Cena would beat Cody Rhodes clean is tough. The chances of John Cena beating Cody Rhodes without any cheap shots or interferences are highly unlikely and having the 'American Nightmare' win back the Undisputed WWE Championship might just be the way to go forward. WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 1 Results: Seth Rollins Cashes in MITB Contract on CM Punk to Become New World Heavyweight Champion, Tiffany Stratton Retains (Watch Video Highlights).

Randy Orton Turns Heel, Costs Cody Rhodes Against John Cena

Now, this prediction is something very interesting and WWE might not mind the idea of setting up a potential Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton match down the line with such a move. Randy Orton was pretty miffed after losing to Cody Rhodes in the King of the Ring tournament final (the second consecutive year he suffered a defeat in the final) and his facial expressions, despite the 'American Nightmare' praising him at the end of the match, said it all. On the subsequent SmackDown after Night of Champions 2025, Randy Orton was not very pleased but still said that he respected Cody Rhodes for 'pulling the trigger' when he could not and sought a promise from him--to beat John Cena at SummerSlam. With the John Cena vs Cody Rhodes contest being a street fight, one prediction is that Randy Orton might interfere in the Undisputed WWE championship match and attack the 'American Nightmare', leading to the 17-time champion retaining the title. Cody Rhodes Takes Out John Cena, Forces Him To Sign Contract; Undisputed WWE Championship Match at WWE SummerSlam 2025 To Be a Street Fight (Watch Video).

Randy Orton's Message to Cody Rhodes After Night of Champions 2025- 'Kick John Cena's A**'

Should Randy Orton get involved, it is almost logical to think that it'd be against Cody Rhodes. The chances of Randy Orton helping out Cody Rhodes to beat John Cena are less as WWE would not want to force another showdown of the 'Apex Predator' with the 17-time champion, with the latter having a few dates left before he retires. Also, the John Cena vs Randy Orton clash at Backlash 2025 was billed as 'One Final Time' and it is highly likely that we have seen the end of what has been a legendary feud in the WWE. An 'RKO out of nowhere' on Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025 by Randy Orton would blow the roof off at the MetLife stadium and could become arguably one of the biggest moments of WWE this year and if the 'American Nightmare' doesn't turn heel, this might be the way to go. Also, turning Randy Orton heel might be a thing that the 'Viper' would want to get into the main event picture once again, with WWE not having enough good storylines for him as a babyface so far.

The Rock Returns to Help John Cena or a Double Turn

Another possible predicted ending to the John Cena vs Cody Rhodes match can be a bit more chaotic, unlike the last option. This prediction suggests the involvement of The Rock, who was a crucial part of John Cena's heel turn back at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025. The 'Final Boss' could make his much-awaited return to help John Cena retain the Undisputed WWE championship against Cody Rhodes. This would then go as per what The Rock had said at Elimination Chamber 2025, when he asked Cody Rhodes to sell his soul and he refused. "If your answer is no, then tonight, the dream dies, again," said the Final Boss at Elimination Chamber 2025 in Toronto and The Rock (not Travis Scott), costing Cody Rhodes, would be a good extension to that storyline, which can set up a potential WrestleMania match between the two. Or, there could be a double turn, a pretty popular prediction so far.

John Cena Viciously Attacks Cody Rhodes After He Turns Down The Rock's Offer

The Rock might return, alright, but he could come to Cody Rhodes' aid instead of John Cena! Now this is a wild idea, alright, but not totally impossible. Cody Rhodes had recently indicated that his days as a babyface in WWE are numbered and through this move, the 'American Nightmare' might turn heel and join forces with The Rock, defeating John Cena to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship. Should that happen, the idea to have John Cena's return to being a babyface will gain more momentum. And down the line, another showdown with The Rock might take place before the 17-time champion hangs up his boots in December. John Cena Wallpapers and HD Images for Free Download: HD Photos of WWE's 17-Time World Champion for WhatsApp Status, Facebook Profile Pic and Instagram To Share Online.

Also, there is a good chance that The Rock might not return at all and Cody Rhodes still turns heel on John Cena. If The Rock decides not to show up again, the option of having Randy Orton interfere in the match might be the next best thing WWE can do. What's interesting is that there can be several other possible endings to this match that we might not even imagine!

However, what's guaranteed is that whatever happens will define the future course of the WWE for quite some time to come. John Cena retaining the WWE Undisputed Championship will only add steam to his 'Last Real Champion' persona and give him momentum as we approach the end of his retirement tour. A victory for Cody Rhodes, on the other hand, would bring him back to the top of the mountain where he was after he had ended Roman Reigns' historic title run in 2024.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2025 06:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).