WATCH: John Cena scripts history, becomes record 17th time world champion at WrestleMania 41

John Cena scripted history at WrestleMania 41, as he became the first-ever WWE Superstar to win 17 world titles. The Leader of the Cenation Army used all sorts of cheap tricks and overcame Cody Rhodes in a proper heel-way to win the prestigeous title. In the process, Cena surpassed Ric Flair, who won the world titles 16 times in WWE.

The match between Cena and Cody Rhodes seemed to have lacked a bit of substance. Right from the word go, Cena dominated Cody and gave him little to no chance to make a return. The star wrestler delivered multiple kicks and punches, and Cody could not contain them easily. For the most part of the match, it was the same story.

WATCH: John Cena's title-winning celebration here -

The final #WrestleMania moment. pic.twitter.com/DCtpyFVxuV

— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2025

There were indeed some bright spots in the match. At his age, Cena pulled off some good moves. Unfortunately, the match did not land the impact it should have for a Night 2 Main Event of WWE WrestleMania. Cody not punching enough was hard to believe, given the bangers he delivered in his title reign.

John Cena squashes Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41

Cena relatively went easy on Rhodes, and the American Nightmare did not have an answer for him, which was hard to believe. At one point in the match, Cody delivered multiple Cross Rhodes and seemed good to defend his title. But referee being out of senses meant there was no successful pinfall.

Also Read: WWE WrestleMania 41, Night 1: Complete List of Winners & Match Results

That was when Travis Scott entered the arena and helped Cena. While he ate a Cross Rhodes himself, Cena purchased some time, delivered a low blow, and hit Cody with the title. It was enough for the veteran to claim his record 17th world title.

As promised in his promo on WWE SmackDown, Cena won the world title without actually having to wrestle to beat Cody. The Main Event of the night was underwhelming and could not meet what an epic of an event WrestleMania XL was. But it was a great night for Cena, who walked out of WrestleMania as the world champion.