WWE Champion John Cena kicked off tonight’s final SmackDown before SummerSlam 2025. Cena got his “greatest of all time” ring introduction and was about to say something, but King of the Ring Cody Rhodes came out.
Cena said he had already told Cody he was exhausted and that SummerSlam would be too much for him. Despite that, Rhodes attacked him and forged his signature to lock him into an Undisputed WWE Championship Street Fight at the biggest event of the summer.
Surprisingly, Cena thanked Rhodes for doing it. He explained that he’s always tried to operate with respect and honesty, but realized he threw all that away five months ago for “shocking TV.” Eventually the dust settled and people went back to their normal lives, whilst the people who were supposed to be on his team left him alone, thus taking an indirect shot at The Rock. He got the wake up call and is now back to being the real John Cena.
He noted that everyone who once stood by him has now walked away and said he wants to leave with the WWE Title – not to harm wrestling, but so that fans won’t forget him once he’s gone.
Cena admitted he had been blind to how foolish he’d become, and said Rhodes did the right thing as a friend by forcing him to confront the truth in the ring. Now, he said, he gets to fight Rhodes at his absolute best in a brutal Street Fight. Cena told Rhodes, “If you want some, come get some.” John has turned babyface and ended his promo by saying:
“On Sunday, the only Platinum rapper showing up to whip your a$$ is me.”
WE ARE SO BACK!!!
Thank YOU, @JohnCena! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HDBrf4LrrZ
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2025
Rhodes then handed Cena a Real American Beer, welcomed him back, and the two shared a toast before Rhodes made his exit. Cena then posed for the fans and kissed his wife at ringside.
"Welcome back, @JohnCena."
That's how you welcome back THE GOAT! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/02PF1NLj8O
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2025
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