John Cena passes torch to Cody Rhodes as 'American Nightmare' regains WWE title at SummerSlam

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

The passing of the torch only happens a few times in pro wrestling and Cody Rhodes and John Cena added another chapter to WWE lore at SummerSlam on Sunday night.

Rhodes defeated Cena to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship in an epic street fight that finished off an incredible weekend at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It marked the second title reign for Rhodes after he won the championship at WrestleMania 40.

Cena came out to his classic "My Time is Now" song in an apparent full circle return to his babyface ways. The crowd at MetLife Stadium erupted, even Rhodes smirked.

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John Cena congratulates Cody Rhodes after Rhodes won and became the WWE Undisputed Champion during the WWE 2025 SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 03, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)

But the pleasantries soon went away.

It was a street fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship on a night that already featured a ton of violence. But there were many questions for both competitors going into the match. Could Rhodes muster up some killer instinct to put Cena away? Was Cena really going to dig deep into his soul to find himself and become Superman one last time?

Rhodes took Tyrese Haliburton’s crutch to the back. He slammed Cena onto the steel steps but then also ate these same steps. It was early in the match but the two proved they were going to go to great lengths to capture the biggest prize in the WWE.

Cena struck first with the Attitude Adjustment out of nowhere. He tried to pin Rhodes but to no avail. It was too early to put the