On the final episode of WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena and his challenger, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, stood face-to-face in the ring for one last confrontation. In a stunning turn, Cena thanked Rhodes for forcing him into their brutal Street Fight, admitting his recent heelish actions were a mistake and declaring that the “real” John Cena was finally back.
An Unexpected “Thank You”
After entering to his signature mixed reaction from the New York-area crowd, Cena was quickly interrupted by Rhodes. Cena began by stating that Rhodes had forced him into a dangerous match at a time when he was feeling exhausted. He then shocked the audience by saying he had only one thing to say to his opponent: “Thank you.” Cena explained that Rhodes’ challenge was “the boot in the ass he needed” to wake up.
Reflecting on a Heel Turn
Cena then candidly addressed his controversial actions over the past several months, which saw him align with figures like The Rock and Travis Scott. “For 25 years, he had forged a legacy of respect and hard work. And that five months ago, he flushed that into the toilet for ‘shock TV’,” Cena admitted. He added that in the aftermath, his supposed allies left him alone, and his desire to hold the championship was driven by a fear of being forgotten.
The Return of “The Champ”
Cena stated that this confrontation with Rhodes made him realize the error of his ways. “I was so hung up about how we all saw him tomorrow, that it made him blind to how he was acting today,” Cena said. He credited Rhodes for doing what a friend should do and forcing him into a fight. He then made a definitive declaration: “August 1st, 2025, was the day that John Cena truly came back to WWE.”
A Toast of Respect
After promising that the fans would be the real winners when they see a battle between “the best,” Cena finished his promo with his iconic catchphrase, “The Champ is Here!” In response, Rhodes simply asked for two beers. He handed one to Cena and said, “welcome back,” before the two opponents shared a toast in the middle of the ring, signifying a moment of mutual respect before their impending war.
John Cena will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight at SummerSlam, streaming live tomorrow, August 2. The event airs exclusively on Peacock in the United States and on the WWE Network everywhere else.
WE ARE SO BACK!!!
Thank YOU, @JohnCena! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HDBrf4LrrZ
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2025
"Welcome back, @JohnCena."
That's how you welcome back THE GOAT! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/02PF1NLj8O
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2025
