Cody Rhodes reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship in a violent, emotionally charged Street Fight against John Cena during Night 2 of SummerSlam, held on August 3, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match marked a high-stakes rematch from WrestleMania 41 earlier this year, where Cena had controversially defeated Rhodes to claim the title.
The match unfolded with ferocious intensity as weapons and finishing moves were exchanged freely under Street Fight rules. In the closing moments, Rhodes applied the Cross Rhodes, securing the decisive pinfall and recapturing the championship four months after his WrestleMania loss. Following the victory, Cena—having turned face during the build-up on SmackDown—offered a symbolic gesture, effectively passing the torch to Rhodes and signaling a shift in WWE’s main-event hierarchy.
As the ringside celebration began, the night took a shocking turn. Brock Lesnar returned to WWE for the first time in nearly two years, delivering a brutal F5 to Cena as Rhodes exited the ring. Lesnar’s surprise reemergence immediately reignited his storied rivalry with Cena and underscored WWE’s creative evolution under Triple H’s leadership.
The match’s aftermath reflected both respect and rivalry. After the final bell, Cena acknowledged Rhodes by embracing him in the ring, declaring, “That was the best I have.” Shortly after, Rhodes made his exit, leaving Cena to soak in the crowd’s adulation before Lesnar ended the spectacle in dramatic fashion.
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The bout represented not just a title change but a defining moment in storyline progression. Rhodes’ victory came after he won the 2025 King of the Ring tournament at Night of Champions, earning the SummerSlam title shot. Meanwhile, Cena’s attempt to escape the match via injury claims was forcefully rebuffed by Rhodes, who insisted on seeing it through via contract stipulations made official on SmackDown’s July 18 episode.
Cody Rhodes has long been on a path of redemption following his WrestleMania defeat. His win at SummerSlam was widely anticipated and has been described as reestablishing his status among the top performers in WWE today. The storyline trajectory saw Cena shift back toward a heroic persona after a heel turn earlier this year.
Looking ahead, Lesnar’s return and attack on Cena opens the door for a potential farewell match during Cena’s announced retirement tour, which concludes by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Rhodes entering a new championship reign sets the stage for fresh rivalries and ongoing character development.
In sum, SummerSlam 2025 delivered a compelling mix of legacy, symbolism, and surprise. Cody Rhodes’ victory over a legendary John Cena suggests a changing of the guard in WWE. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar’s interruption ensures momentum and anticipation are firmly in place heading into the remainder of 2025.