The upcoming SummerSlam match between John Cena and Cody Rhodes now has a dangerous new stipulation after a contract signing on the July 18 episode of WWE SmackDown turned violent. Following a physical altercation, Cody Rhodes not only forced a reluctant Cena to sign the contract but also declared their bout will now be a Street Fight.
The final segment of the broadcast, held at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, began with Cena announcing he would not be competing at SummerSlam. Citing commitments to a major Netflix movie and feeling “emotionally exhausted,” Cena stated it was “best for business” that he not compete, suggesting the rematch could happen later in Paris or Perth. He repeatedly refused to sign the contract.
His refusal prompted an irate Rhodes to attack Cena and drag him back to the ring. Cena briefly gained the upper hand, throwing Rhodes into the steel ring steps. However, once both men were back in the ring, Rhodes dodged an attack and struck Cena with the championship title.
In a definitive move, Rhodes then climbed the turnbuckle with the contract binder and delivered a splash to the downed Cena. He then placed the pen in Cena’s hand and forced him to sign the contract, making the match official before revealing the new stipulation.
The confrontation solidifies a major match for the first-ever two-night SummerSlam, which takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on August 2 and 3.