John Cena delivers stark reminder to Cody Rhodes in final confrontation before WrestleMania 41

WWE champion Cody Rhodes talks to Fox News Digital about the upcoming title match against John Cena at WrestleMania 41.

LAS VEGAS – John Cena and Coy Rhodes had one final confrontation on Friday night in the final "SmackDown" episode before their WrestleMania 41 matchup at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Cena and Rhodes traded shots at each other, as they’ve been doing for weeks. For a moment, Rhodes was on the receiving end of some boos from the crowd at the T-Mobile Arena. Cen had a reminder for the "American Nightmare."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

John Cena enters during Cody Rhode's Promo during Friday-night Smackdown at T-Mobile Arena on April 18, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images)

"On Sunday to beat you, I don’t have to wrestle," Cena told Rhodes as he chopped him in the head.

Cena then attempted to put Rhodes into his signature Attitude Adjustment maneuver but Rhodes countered and hit the 16-time WWE champion with a Cross Rhodes and left Cena on his back in the middle of the ring.

It was the final message sent before their epic match on Night 2 of WWE’s premier live event.

Rhodes told Fox News Digital in the days leading up to WrestleMania that facing Cena was a "first-time-ever" experience for him because of the turn Cena has made away from the fans.

"I look at a lot of stuff now, like John and my match at WrestleMania 41. I really look at it like it’s the first time ever," Rhodes explained. "John was somebody who came in and, not right away, but he did find his footing quickly in terms of who John Cena was going to be, and he waved that flag and carried his brand very firmly, very in a disciplined manner for as long as he did. 

WRESTLEMANIA 41 NIGHT 2 WILL