John Cena Breaks Ric Flair’s Record, Wins 17th WWE World Championship at WrestleMania 41

In a historic and controversial main event at WrestleMania 41, John Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship, becoming a 17-time WWE World Champion and breaking Ric Flair’s long-standing record of 16 world title reigns. The match, held on April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, marked a defining moment in professional wrestling history, cementing Cena’s legacy as one of the greatest performers to ever step into the squared circle. However, the victory was not without its share of drama, as Cena’s heel tactics and outside interference from rapper Travis Scott sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike.

A New Chapter for Cena: The Heel Turn

John Cena, long celebrated as WWE’s ultimate babyface—a heroic figure known for his “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” mantra—shocked the wrestling world earlier in 2025 with a dramatic heel turn. At the Elimination Chamber event in March, Cena aligned himself with The Rock and Travis Scott, betraying Cody Rhodes and turning his back on the fans who had cheered him for over two decades. This transformation into a villainous character was a stark departure from the Cena fans had come to know, and it set the stage for a highly anticipated clash at WrestleMania 41.

Cena’s heel run was fueled by his frustration with the WWE Universe’s love-hate relationship with him. For years, Cena had been a polarizing figure, with crowds often split between fervent supporters and vocal detractors chanting “Cena Sucks.” In promos leading up to WrestleMania, Cena leaned into this divisiveness, lambasting fans for their treatment of him and vowing to “ruin wrestling” by winning the championship and retiring with it. His new persona—arrogant, ruthless, and unapologetic—added a layer of complexity to his character, making his pursuit of a record-breaking 17th title a compelling storyline.

The Match: Cena vs. Rhodes

The main event of WrestleMania 41’s Night 2 pitted Cena against Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, who had been riding a year-long title reign after defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare,” was the embodiment of a classic babyface, carrying the hopes of fans who saw him as the torchbearer of WWE’s new era. The buildup to the match was electric, with Cena’s heel antics contrasting sharply with Rhodes’ honorable resolve.

From the opening bell, Cena showcased a more aggressive and spiteful offense, a far cry from the clean-cut hero of his past. He dominated early with stiff lariats, stomps, and calculated attacks to wear down Rhodes. The champion fought back with his signature resilience, hitting flurries of offense and rallying the Las Vegas crowd. However, the match took a controversial turn in its closing moments. With the referee knocked out, Cena capitalized on the chaos, using an exposed turnbuckle and assistance from Travis Scott to gain the upper hand. In a pivotal moment, Rhodes seized the championship belt from Cena but hesitated to use it, staying true to his principles. Cena, showing no such restraint, delivered a low blow followed by a belt shot to Rhodes’ face, securing the pinfall victory and the title.

The crowd’s reaction was mixed, with loud cheers for Cena’s historic achievement drowned out by boos for his underhanded tactics. Michael Cole, on commentary, noted the poetic irony, pointing out that Ric Flair himself was no stranger to dirty tactics during his legendary career. The finish underscored Cena’s new mantra: he was willing to be the bad guy to etch his name in the history books.

Ric Flair’s Reaction

Ric Flair, whose record Cena surpassed, was quick to respond to the milestone. Taking to X shortly after the match, the WWE Hall of Famer congratulated his friend, writing, “Congrats To My Great Friend @JohnCena On Becoming A 17x Champion!” Flair’s gracious response quelled speculation about any lingering tension, though some fans noted that Flair’s own title count is subject to debate, with untelevised title changes potentially pushing his total to 18 or 19 in some historical accounts. Regardless, WWE’s official record books now recognize Cena as the sole holder of the most world championship reigns.

Fan and Industry Reactions

The wrestling community erupted in response to Cena’s victory, with reactions pouring in across social media and wrestling news outlets. On X, fans expressed a range of emotions. @Slappa_WWE praised the storytelling, noting that Cole’s reference to Flair’s tactics was a “nice touch to show you don’t have to do it clean.” @WNSource highlighted the controversial nature of the win, calling it a “historic but polarizing moment.” However, not all reactions were positive. @WrestleBearEU criticized the match itself, describing it as “flat” and lacking memorable moments, despite acknowledging Cena’s undeniable greatness.

Analysts and insiders also weighed in. Sportskeeda reported on Flair’s reaction and the significance of Cena’s achievement, while Wrestling Inc. detailed Travis Scott’s role in the finish, emphasizing the celebrity involvement that has become a WrestleMania staple. Bleacher Report described the match as a fitting capstone to Cena’s career, noting that his heel turn and victory added depth to his legacy. Conversely, some outlets, like Yahoo Sports, called the match “lackluster,” suggesting that the storyline overshadowed the in-ring action.

The Significance of the Record

Cena’s 17th world championship reign is a landmark achievement in professional wrestling, a sport where longevity and consistency at the top level are rare. Cena debuted in WWE in 2002 and quickly rose to prominence, winning his first world title in 2005. Over the next two decades, he became the face of WWE, headlining multiple WrestleManias and facing off against legends like The Rock, The Undertaker, and Randy Orton. His 16th title win in 2017 tied him with Flair, and since then, the wrestling world has speculated about whether he would surpass “The Nature Boy.”

The record is not without its caveats. As WWE legend Kurt Angle pointed out in a recent interview, Flair’s title count is complicated by untelevised title changes in the NWA and WCW eras, which may not be fully reflected in WWE’s records. Nevertheless, Cena’s 17 reigns—all within WWE—represent an unmatched level of dominance in the modern era, where title reigns are often shorter and more competitive.

What’s Next for Cena?

Cena has announced that 2025 will be his final year as an in-ring performer, making his WrestleMania 41 victory a pivotal moment in his farewell tour. In promos, he has vowed to retire as champion, a promise that sets up intriguing possibilities for the remainder of the year. Some analysts predict that Cena will defend the title against top stars like CM Punk or Randy Orton before dropping it back to Cody Rhodes, honoring the wrestling tradition of retiring on a loss. Others speculate that WWE could extend his reign to build toward a blockbuster rematch at SummerSlam or Survivor Series.

Cena’s heel persona also raises questions about his legacy. For years, fans clamored for a Cena heel turn, believing it would showcase his versatility and reinvigorate his character. While his villainous run has delivered on that promise, it has also divided fans, with some lamenting the tarnishing of his heroic image. Regardless, Cena’s ability to reinvent himself at 47 underscores why he remains a cultural icon, both in wrestling and in Hollywood, where he has starred in films like Fast & Furious 9 and The Suicide Squad.

The Bigger Picture

WrestleMania 41 was a spectacle beyond Cena’s historic win. Night 1 saw Jey Uso capture the World Heavyweight Championship from Gunther, while Seth Rollins emerged victorious in a triple-threat match against CM Punk and Roman Reigns, aided by a shocking betrayal from Paul Heyman. On Night 2, Dominik Mysterio won the Intercontinental Championship, and Becky Lynch made a triumphant return to claim the Women’s Tag Team Championships alongside Lyra Valkyria. These moments, combined with Cena’s record-breaking victory, made WrestleMania 41 a memorable chapter in WWE’s storied history.

For Cody Rhodes, the loss marks a setback but not the end of his story. His year-long reign as champion solidified his status as a top star, and fans are already anticipating his quest to reclaim the title. For Cena, the 17th championship is both a crowning achievement and a testament to his willingness to embrace controversy. As he said in a post-match interview, “I don’t care if you love me or hate me—I’m John Cena, and I’m the greatest of all time.”

Conclusion

John Cena’s victory at WrestleMania 41 will be remembered as one of the most significant moments in wrestling history. By breaking Ric Flair’s record, Cena has solidified his claim as the most decorated world champion in WWE lore. His heel turn, controversial tactics, and alliance with Travis Scott added layers of drama to an already monumental achievement, ensuring that the wrestling world will be talking about this night for years to come. As Cena embarks on the final chapter of his in-ring career, one thing is clear: whether as a hero or a villain, he remains a singular force in professional wrestling.