John Cena entered the men’s Royal Rumble match at number 23. He lost the match to Jey Uso at the end which disappointed a major section of the WWE Universe. His loss meant his ticket in the main event of WrestleMania 41 is under question.
Cena had already won the Royal Rumble match twice in his career in the years 2008 and 2014. It’s been more than 10 years. If he had gone on to win this year’s 30-man match, he would have levelled Stone Cold Steve Austin for most wins (3) in the event’s history.
The 16-time champion was close to achieving the milestone as he along with Jey Uso were the last two remaining in the match. Uso went on to eliminate the Cenation leader to win the match. The WWE Universe was shocked with the men’s Royal Rumble match result. It was evident from their reactions as they went silent for a minute as the match ended.
WWE Universe believed that John Cena would go on to win the match in the closing moments. But that did not happen. After the match the 16-time world champion congratulated Uso as the latter will now main event WrestleMania 41. With one milestone missed, Cena still has a chance to create history in his farewell tour. He can still break Ric Flair’s record for most world title reigns.
John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes planned for WrestleMania 41 as per reports
According to recent sources, WWE is planning a headlining bout between John Cena and Cody Rhodes for WrestleMania 41, which will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on April 19 and 20, 2025. WrestleMania 41 will be the 16-time world champion’s last in-ring appearance at the grandest stage of them all.
Earlier this year Logan Paul pitched the idea of being a potential opponent for the Hollywood star at WrestleMania 41. But the creative team was not fond of the idea. Many fans want to see Randy Orton go head to head against Cena. They expect the two to rekindle their rivalry and put a perfect closure to the Cenation leader’s pro-wrestling career. For now, WWE is continuing with the Cena vs. Rhodes idea but it may evolve as the event approaches.
Both superstars have their own aim form this match as Cody Rhodes defending his title means passing of the baton from a WWE veteran to one of the company’s current top talents. Whereas, it perfectly sets up Cena for a historic 17th world championship reign.
After the Royal Rumble things are not clear at the moment as to who will face Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. WWE knows their fans’ emotions but would still be committed to the Cena vs. Rhodes matchup. Royal Rumble 2025 winner Jey Uso, is likely to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship given their recent on going storyline.
With that being said, the American Nightmare’s opponent would likely be decided at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Interestingly, John Cena has already been announced for the match. The show will be aired on March 1, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. Stay tuned for more updates about the recent developments.
REDDAVENI SAISNEHA 
Anushka Sarkar