The air was thick with anticipation as John Cena made his entrance for his WrestleMania 41 clash against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship on Sunday night. Gone were the vibrant hues, the hustle and bustle, the loyalty, the respect, and all that had epitomized Cena's storied WWE career. In their place, a stark, monochrome palette; it was just Cena, singularly focused on capturing his 17th WWE crown.
As Cena's thematic music reverberated through Allegiant Stadium, sending shivers down spines, he bore a towel emblazoned with the words, "the last time is now," trailing behind him. A cacophony of boos cascaded from the rafters, akin to the Las Vegas Raiders suffering a heart-wrenching playoff defeat.
At the outset, Cena seemed hesitant to engage Rhodes, weaving through potential entanglements like a master chess player awaiting the opportune moment to strike. His tactics deviated sharply from the norm—big boots, forceful clotheslines, and resounding mudhole stomps marked his unconventional assault.
The contest devolved into a ferocious brawl, with Rhodes and Cena exchanging blow for blow, their rivalry simmering since Cena's alliance with The Rock at Elimination Chamber. The crowd was divided, their dueling chants of "Let's go Cena" and "Cena sucks" echoing through the stadium, a testament to the match's electric atmosphere.
At one point, Cena's restraint snapped. He attempted the Five Knuckle Shuffle but was blindsided by a阮odes' poke to the eye. The tables turned dramatically as Rhodes unleashed a Disaster Kick and a Cody Cutter. Cena retaliated with an Attitude Adjustment, yet another near fall left the crowd on tenterhooks. Despite an aerial Attitude Adjustment, victory remained elusive.
The bout dragged on, the cacophony from the stands reaching a crescendo. Rhodes played to the crowd's fervor, while Cena set him up for his finisher, followed by an STFU submission. Yet, Rhodes' resolve remained unshaken.
When the referee was incapacitated and Rhodes seized control, there was no arbiter to count his pin. Seeking an advantage, Cena resorted to underhanded tactics, exposing the ring post and delivering another Attitude Adjustment. As the referee regained consciousness and counted, one... two... but no, it wasn't meant to be.
Suddenly, Travis Scott's music blared, interrupting the tense standoff. Scott, who had left Rhodes with a black eye at Elimination Chamber, sought more conflict. Rhodes, sensing an opportunity, turned the tables on Cena. Just as the referee prepared to count the pin, Scott intervened, ejecting him from the ring. Rhodes dared Scott to enter the fray, and the two stared each other down with intense anticipation.
Scott lunged for a slap, but Rhodes countered with the Cross Rhodes. In the ensuing chaos, Cena seized the title and attempted to strike Rhodes. They scuffled, and the championship belt changed hands. Rhodes threatened Cena, who pleaded for mercy, but couldn't bring himself to strike.
However, Cena resorted to desperation, delivering a low blow and striking Rhodes with the belt. This was Cena's moment. He pinned Rhodes, cementing his legendary status with a record-breaking 17th title reign.
Rhodes' maiden title reign came to an end more than a year after he dethroned Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, marking the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter in the annals of WWE history.
