BREAKING: Ruthless Villain John Cena Makes WWE History at WrestleMania 41, Defeating Cody Rhodes to Claim a Record-Breaking 17th World Championship Title, Breaking Ric Flair Record in His Final Run

BREAKING: Ruthless Villain John Cena Makes WWE History at WrestleMania 41, Defeating Cody Rhodes to Claim a Record-Breaking 17th World Championship Title, Breaking Ric Flair’s Record in His Final Run

Las Vegas, NV – WrestleMania 41 (April 6, 2025) — The WWE Universe witnessed history in the making as John Cena, once the face of hustle, loyalty, and respect, shocked the world by turning full-blown villain and dethroning Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 41 to win his record-breaking 17th World Championship, surpassing the legendary Ric Flair.

In what is now being dubbed one of the most shocking and emotionally charged matches in WrestleMania history, Cena embraced the dark side, using underhanded tactics and sheer brutality to dismantle the fan-favorite “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas erupted in a mix of awe, disbelief, and fury as the referee’s hand hit the mat for the three-count — confirming Cena’s final triumph and his spot atop the mountain as the most decorated World Champion in wrestling history.

Cena, who had previously tied Ric Flair with 16 world title reigns, returned to WWE earlier this year hinting at “one last ride.” However, few expected that ride to end with a seismic character shift and the greatest prize in the industry. His new, ruthless persona debuted in early March, leaving fans stunned as the once-heroic figure launched a verbal and physical onslaught against Rhodes, branding him a “placeholder champion” and “not fit to carry the legacy.”

Despite Rhodes’ valiant effort and crowd support, Cena pulled every trick in the villain playbook — from a low blow to a steel chain shot behind the referee’s back — to secure victory.

Following the win, Cena stood atop the turnbuckle with the WWE Championship raised high, smirking as a wave of boos poured in. “This isn’t a comeback,” he declared in his post-match promo, “this is the coronation of the greatest of all time.”

This monumental win marks the end of an era and the beginning of Cena’s final legacy chapter — one written not in red, white, and blue, but in the black-and-gold ink of villainy, controversy, and history-making dominance.

Ric Flair, who had long held the record with 16 recognized world titles, congratulated Cena via social media, saying, “Records are meant to be broken… and if anyone had to do it, I’m glad it was you, Champ.”

WWE fans and legends are now left to grapple with a new reality: the greatest hero of the 21st century has become its most dangerous villain — and he’s leaving with the crown.

What’s next for John Cena? Is this truly his final run? Or has the villain just begun?

Stay tuned to WWE programming as the fallout from WrestleMania 41 sends shockwaves through the entire wrestling world.