John Cena is reportedly set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41, with plans in place for months leading up to the event, according to veteran journalist David Meltzer.
Cena’s Road to WrestleMania
Cena, 46, announced in November that he would compete at the WWE Elimination Chamber premium live event on 1 March in Toronto, sparking speculation about his role in the match. His participation was confirmed after he declared his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble, where he was ultimately eliminated by Jey Uso.
Speaking on the Royal Rumble Post Show, Cena reiterated his intentions:
“What is best for business is I main event WrestleMania… I confidently say that I’m gonna win a seventeenth championship.”
The 16-time world champion, who is in his final year as an active competitor, is expected to secure his WrestleMania main event spot by winning the Elimination Chamber match.
Long-term plans in motion
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE officials have been planning Cena vs. Rhodes for WrestleMania 41 since at least October or November.
Despite fan speculation surrounding Cena’s WrestleMania opponent, the decision to have him face Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship has reportedly been set for months.
Cena’s involvement in the Elimination Chamber match—one of WWE’s most brutal contests—has raised questions given his retirement timeline.
However, the veteran star appears determined to end his career on the grandest stage with a record-breaking 17th world title.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, all eyes will be on Toronto’s Elimination Chamber event to see if Cena’s path to the main event is officially secured.
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