WATCH: Heel John Cena gets cheered, face Cody Rhodes gets booed by fans on WWE SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania 41

On Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes was booed by the fans momentarily despite being a heel. On the other hand, John Cena was cheered during his entrance despite being a baby face. The American Nightmare ended their faceoff on a high, as he countered Cena's Attitude Adjustment with a Cross Rhodes ahead of their match at WrestleMania 41.

Cody entered the arena in the Main Event of the Night to loud cheers from the fans. He got a good reception as the fans sang his theme and name. Just before he could say anything, Cena's theme hit, and the fans went crazy. Contrary to the negative reception he got on the European tour, John was cheered by the fans despite being a heel.

Watch fans booing Cody Rhodes here -

Vegas began to boo Cody Rhodes.#SmackDown

pic.twitter.com/FVP9ayiy19

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 19, 2025

When Cena went face-to-face against the world champion, he spoke about their match at Mania. After Cena was done, Cody picked up his mic to address him and the fans. However, he was momentarily booed. John Cena pointed at the fans and asked Rhodes if he was going to fight for those people who were booing him.

Cody Rhodes stands tall against John Cena yet again

Cody, though, regained control of the crowd with his promo against the Leader of the Cenation Army. The world champion said Cena might not have buried talents in the past, but his era was different than the current one, where the individuals, irrespective of their roles, were respected enough.

Also Read: WrestleMania 41 vs WrestleMania XL: Which Had the best road to WrestleMania?

Rhodes claimed he was one of the wrestlers who regarded Cena to be their inspiration. John gave it back, saying Cody was dumb enough to reject The Rock's offer to join forces at the Elimination Chamber, an opportunity he took and claimed to be a great fortune.

The 16-time world champion felt his win was written after he joined forces with the Final Boss. As Rhodes replied, saying Cena could not even wrestle, let alone beat him, Cena replied, saying he did not even have to wrestle to beat Cody. He went for an AA, which was reversed with a Cross Rhodes, as Cody stood tall.