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John Cena reached his 17th World Championship in WWE, overcoming Ric Flair’s brand in a fight against Cody Rhodes that disappointed for its execution and the absence of The Rock. Was this the worthy end for a legend?
The wrestling world witnessed a historical moment in the main event of the second night of Wrestlemania 41When John Cena beat Ric Flair as the fighter with more world titles in WWE’s history. With this victory over Cody Rhodes, Cena reached its number 17 Championship. However, far from being a resounding celebration, the fight left many fans wondering if this was the right closure for one of the most emblematic races of the company.
The context: great expectations, little execution
The fight was presented as the possible “dancing” of dinner in a Wrestlemania. Speculations pointed to a star appearance by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who came from starring in an intense rivalry in the previous weeks. However, the rock shone by its absence, and the narrative was sustained only by Cena and Rhodes, who, despite their personal stories of weight, failed to offer a convincing chemistry about the ring.
The action became predictable with the classic “ref bump” – a maneuver that leaves out the referee – who opened the way to interference. In one of the most unusual appearances of the event, rapper Travis Scott entered the quadrilateral. He tried to help dinner, but ended up receiving a Crossrhodes that he questioned his relevance at the time. Even so, chaos allowed Cena to capitalize on an opportunity after a low blow and seal the victory, writing his name with gold letters in WWE’s history books.
A historical record in a forgettable fight
Breaking Ric Flair’s record is undoubtedly an immense feat. Flair, with 16 recognized titles, has been the symbol of greatness in professional wrestling for decades. Cena, who built his career based on perseverance, charisma and discipline, is now located at the top with 17 world championships.
However, the quality of combat was not up to the occasion. Dinner was visibly oxidized, and Rhodes – who had loaded with the emotional weight of family history in Wrestlemania 40 – seemed limited by a forced fighting structure. Many fans expected an instant classic, but they found a flat performance, without drama or the emotion that defines the great moments of the most important WWE event.
And now what? The future of dinner, Rhodes and WWE
The dinner victory raises fundamental questions about what is coming. Cena has announced that his retirement will be in December, which leaves open the possibility of a last high profile fight. Will Rhodes be your final rival? Will the revenge that many believe necessary to close this chapter with dignity?
On the other hand, WWE must rethink your narrative for the next events. The lack of impact of the main fight contrasts with other struggles of Wrestlemania 41, such as the impressive victory of Seth Rollins with Paul Heyman over Roman Reigns and CM Punk, which did offer the show that fans expected.
Conclusion: between glory and disappointment
John Cena has reached WWE’s statistical cusp, but he has done it on a stage that did not live up to the legacy he built. The absence of The Rock, the participation without a weight of Travis Scott and a poor execution left a bittersweet flavor. It remains if WWE can be redeemed with a story that really honors the end of the dinner career, and that gives Rhods the recognition that has been escaping.
For fans, the moment is historical, but the feeling is clear: dinner deserved more … and also deserved Wrestlemania.
