WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair supported 16-time World Heavyweight Champion John Cena in his bid to win the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble match. Despite being a strong favorite, Cena couldn’t secure the victory, disappointing fans who had high expectations for him.
In the 2025 Royal Rumble, Cena and Jey Uso emerged as the final two competitors. Entering on number 23, Cena showcased his dominance by eliminating Finn Bálor, Braun Strowman, and Logan Paul. As the match got closer to climax, Cena and Uso battled on the apron. Cena attempted an Attitude Adjustment, but Uso escaped and shoved him off the apron, sealing his victory.
After the loss, Cena announced his next move — he would compete in the Elimination Chamber match. With 16 world titles to his name, a record he shares with The Nature Boy, Ric Flair, Cena remains one of WWE’s most decorated champions. Flair recently revealed that he had been hoping for Cena to win the Royal Rumble.
Ric Flair gives his take on John Cena’s WWE Royal Rumble outcome
Speaking on Gabby AF, Ric Flair shared his thoughts on John Cena’s loss at the 2025 Royal Rumble. He jokingly mentioned that he had been rooting for Cena to win, as it would have kept his name in the spotlight on WWE TV leading up to WrestleMania 41.
He stated, “I was really pulling for John because they would have been talking about me on TV for the next three months but it kept me in line. Jey’s great. The Usos are phenomenal performers, individually and as a team. They’re big kids and people don’t realize it. They’re 230, 240 [pounds]; they’re not little guys. They can do all the stuff Rey Mysterio can do.” [H/T: WrestlingInc]
Despite falling short at the Royal Rumble, John Cena isn’t backing down. He is set to compete against five other superstars in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match this weekend. It will be interesting to see if Cena can secure the victory, challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, and finally break Ric Flair’s record.
