The 16-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena kicked off his retirement tour at WWE Royal Rumble 2025. Entering at No. 23, Cena eliminated Finn Bálor, Braun Strowman, and Logan Paul.
As the match progressed, Cena and Jey Uso emerged as the final two competitors. Many expected Cena to win, given his legendary status. However, in a shocking twist, Jey Uso escaped an Attitude Adjustment on the ring apron, slipped back into the ring, and pushed Cena off, securing a stunning victory.
With his Royal Rumble win, a match between Jey Uso and GUNTHER now seems likely. Meanwhile, Cena’s loss created uncertainty about his path forward. He quickly addressed the situation by announcing his participation in the upcoming Elimination Chamber match.
Determined to make history, Cena set his sights on capturing the WWE Championship for a record-breaking 17th time. However, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes has no interest in facing Cena on his farewell tour.
Cody Rhodes on why he won’t face John Cena in his retirement tour
Since John Cena announced his retirement tour in July 2024, several WWE Superstars have expressed interest in facing him one last time. However, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes has not pursued such an opportunity and recently explained why.
Speaking with Theonemona, Rhodes acknowledged that many wrestlers eagerly stepped forward to share the ring with Cena before his farewell. However, he chose not to because of the deep respect and influence Cena has had on his career.
He stated:
“I think when he announced he was retiring, a lot of guys jumped to the line of ‘I want to wrestle John,’ a lot of guys jumped to ‘I want to do something with John,’ of course. I’m probably the one who didn’t raise his hand, and that’s simply because John is everything to me. There have been so many guys I’m a product of, who I took a little something from.
The most that I’ve taken from anybody ever would be from John. That was from driving those few years with him, seeing how he interacted with fans, seeing how he worked main events … so when I hear ‘this is it,’ it still doesn’t feel real to me. I don’t love ‘this is it.'” [H/T: WrestlingInc]
Cody Rhodes isn’t thinking about facing John Cena on his retirement tour, but that could change if Cena wins the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. Only time will tell what happens next at WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto.
