Cody Rhodes has once again ascended the throne, so if you don't already know those lyrics to "Kingdom", buddy, get on it, as The American Nightmare defeated John Cena to win back the Undisputed WWE Championship on the second night (Saturday, August 2, 2025) of WWE SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium.
But that wasn't the end of the shockers for the night, as Brock Lesnar also made his return to World Wrestling Entertainment after that match.
How did this go down tonight, what led to this, and what could be on the horizon? Let's break it all down!
How We Got Here:
John Cena failed to win the Royal Rumble after announcing this would be his year-long retirement tour. He panicked and won the Elimination Chamber before turning heel, aligning with The Rock and eventually beating Cody Rhodes for the title at WrestleMania 41. Since then, he's been on his villainous run, and tried to back out of this match, only for Rhodes to beat him up and force him to sign the contract.
Cena surprisingly thanked Rhodes for this and seemingly turned babyface on this past Friday Night SmackDown.
Match Details:
In as much as they could have a clean match while operating under "street fight" rules, this bout started with a hug and an exchange of fists, with a big portion of the crowd that was very happy to be cheering Cena.
"Super Cena" managed to kick out of three consecutive Cross Rhodes—which was used to put down Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL—but even that, steel chairs, and the turnbuckle and more just weren't enough to put down the champion. Likewise, Cena threw everything he could at The American Nightmare, including multiple Attitude Adjustments, one of which being an Avalanche AA off the second rope for a two-count.
This even contest ultimately reached its grand finale with a Cody Cutter off the ropes through the table, a salute, and one more Cross Rhodes for the win.
After the match, Rhodes and Cena had a moment together where they embraced one another and put each other over. Rhodes then left Cena to have the ring for himself and walked to the back. But as Cena was taking in the crowd's adulation, Brock Lesnar of all people made his return (after having not wrestled since SummerSlam 2023, where he lost to Rhodes). The Beast Incarnate took out Cena with an F5.
Personal Reactions & What Happens Next?:
On a personal level, I absolutely hate the politics going on WWE these days, and I fully condemn who they support. That extends to this Lesnar situation, too. As much of a surprise as it is, and as much as it is fun to see Lesnar do his thing, it's important not to sweep under the rug why he wasn't seen over the past two years due to his association with Vince McMahon's sex trafficking lawsuit. As with everything happening these days, awful things that people do should not just be forgotten.
I love the idea that Cena is a babyface again. I love the idea that Rhodes is back to being champion. I'm interested to see where they go, and I think we'll see Rhodes against some people like Drew McIntyre going forward. I'm even more convinced now that Cena's final opponent will be Gunther in December. I guess Cena will fight Lesnar at Clash in Paris?
Tell us what you think about this title change by leaving a comment below! Who do you think will be the next in line to challenge for the title, or possibly even win the belt next? Keep the discussion going!