Despite John Cena’s status as the Undisputed WWE Champion during his ongoing farewell tour, a potential championship rematch against Cody Rhodes is not a priority for the audience, according to veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter. Speaking recently on Sportskeeda’s UnSKripted podcast, Apter suggested that the storyline between the two has cooled significantly since their WrestleMania encounter.
It’s not a hot item right now. Cody-Cena is not a hot item yet. They have to heat it up somehow. They have to find a way to heat it up.
The veteran journalist’s assessment points to the separate paths both performers have taken. Cena, who captured the championship at WrestleMania 42, is currently embroiled in a renewed rivalry with CM Punk. Their feud, which recently saw Cena put Punk through a table on the June 20th episode of SmackDown, will culminate in a title match at Night of Champions on June 28. It marks their first one-on-one confrontation in over a dozen years.
Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes is focused on the King of the Ring Tournament, where he is scheduled to face his former mentor, Randy Orton, in the finals.
Cena’s current run is defined by more than just his championship reign. As part of his final year with WWE, which is expected to conclude in December 2025, he has adopted a villainous persona. The character shift was solidified at Elimination Chamber when he aligned with The Rock, turning his back on a long-established fan-favorite identity to become a more cold and calculated competitor. This heel turn has been a central component of his farewell tour as he navigates his final series of feuds.