The April 18 edition of SmackDown featured a tense verbal exchange between Cody Rhodes and John Cena just days before their scheduled championship match at WrestleMania 41. The segment, which took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, served as the final build to their highly anticipated bout.
John Cena interrupted Rhodes’ entrance and immediately set a confrontational tone. “Shut up, kid”, Cena stated before criticizing wrestlers who return after announcing retirement. He claimed fans don’t matter and declared his intention to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cena referenced Rhodes’ rejection of an offer from The Rock, adding:
You changed everything when you rejected The Rock’s offer… you have no chance at WrestleMania 41.
Rhodes fired back by calling Cena “overrated” and mocked his appearance, stating:
Your face is melted wax, your neck is a pile of coins, and you still don’t know how to fight in 2025.
The crowd rallied behind Rhodes with supportive chants following these remarks. The physical confrontation concluded when Cena attempted an Attitude Adjustment, but Rhodes countered with a Crossroads and stood tall holding the championship.
The championship match between Rhodes and Cena is scheduled for the second night of WrestleMania 41 on Sunday. Their face-off on SmackDown established the stakes and intensity fans can expect at the premium live event.
