WWE star Cody Rhodes explains why John Cena WrestleMania 41 matchup feels like 'first-time-ever' ordeal

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

Cody Rhodes and John Cena will meet at WrestleMania 41 with the Undisputed WWE Championship and the eyes of the pro wrestling world watching very carefully.

Cena won the men’s Elimination Chamber match and then aligned with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to become the antagonist in this story with Rhodes. Cena’s cheap shot of Rhodes kick-started the Massachusetts native’s quest for a record-breaking 17th world title.

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John Cena hugs Cody Rhodes during the WWE Elimination Chamber at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on March 1, 2025. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)

For years, Cena has been the beloved baby face of WWE. He cultivated a major fan base with the younger audience and never once during the height of his career did he turn the other cheek. There were certainly times fans booed him and ridiculed him, but his character was always that of "hustle, loyalty and respect."

But his heel turn presented a completely new storyline in what is supposed to be his final year in pro wrestling. Rhodes told Fox News Digital before the most recent episode of "Monday Night Raw" in London that it feels like he’s squaring off against Cena for the first time.

"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 said. "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. Really helped pull the wagon at