John Cena has been synonymous with WrestleMania for two decades, delivering some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history. From his debut on the Grandest Stage of Them All in 2004 to what could be his final WrestleMania showdown in 2025, Cena’s career has come full circle. The question remains: will Cena end his legendary journey as the WWE Undisputed Champion, or will Cody Rhodes prove that his time is now?
### **The Beginning: WrestleMania 20 and the U.S. Championship Victory**
In 2004, a young, brash John Cena walked into Madison Square Garden for his first WrestleMania match. The Doctor of Thuganomics challenged The Big Show for the United States Championship, and the WWE Universe witnessed the birth of a new megastar. Cena overcame the odds, using his signature FU (later renamed the Attitude Adjustment) to secure his first championship victory in WWE. This moment set the foundation for Cena’s meteoric rise, proving he was destined for greatness.
### **The Rise of a Franchise Player**
Cena’s win at WrestleMania 20 was just the beginning. Over the next few years, he solidified himself as WWE’s biggest attraction. WrestleMania 21 saw him dethrone JBL for the WWE Championship, officially beginning his reign at the top. What followed was an era dominated by Cena, as he headlined multiple WrestleManias, battled legends like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, and The Undertaker, and became the face of WWE.
His WrestleMania clashes with The Rock at WrestleMania 28 and 29 are among the most legendary feuds in WWE history. The “Once in a Lifetime” match against The Rock drew massive attention, and though Cena lost in their first encounter, he redeemed himself the following year by reclaiming the WWE Championship. With every passing year, Cena continued to elevate WrestleMania, proving that his presence was a box-office draw.
### **The Transition: From Full-Time Superstar to Hollywood Icon**
As the years went by, Cena transitioned from a full-time competitor to a part-time attraction. His WrestleMania appearances became more sporadic, yet each return carried significant weight. Whether it was facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 34 or battling Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39, Cena’s impact on the event remained undeniable. However, with his Hollywood career taking off, many began to wonder if WrestleMania 41 would mark his final chapter.
### **The Final Showdown: Cena vs. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41**
Now, in 2025, John Cena stands at the precipice of history. WrestleMania 41 will see him compete for the WWE Undisputed Championship against Cody Rhodes. The stakes have never been higher. For Cena, this could be the last opportunity to add one more world title to his already legendary resume. For Cody, this is the moment to fully establish himself as WWE’s top superstar by defeating one of the greatest of all time.
Rhodes’ journey to the top has been filled with perseverance. After leaving WWE in 2016, he rebuilt his career, proving himself across the globe before making a triumphant return. His victory at WrestleMania 40 solidified his status, but a win over Cena at WrestleMania 41 would cement his legacy.
### **Will Cena’s Legacy End in Gold or Defeat?**
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, fans worldwide are divided. Can John Cena defy the odds one last time and walk away as champion? Or is this the moment where Cody Rhodes officially becomes the new face of WWE? Either way, this match will be a defining moment in WrestleMania history.
No matter the outcome, John Cena’s WrestleMania journey has been nothing short of legendary. From capturing the U.S. Championship in 2004 to potentially ending his career in the main event of WrestleMania 41, Cena’s legacy will forever be etched in WWE history. Whether he wins or loses, one thing is for sure – this match will be an unforgettable spectacle for the ages.
\#CenaVsRhodes #WrestleMania41 #GOAT