Cena retains against Orton in final showdown at WWE Backlash

John Cena retained the WWE Universal Championship at Backlash 2025 in St. Louis, defeating long-time rival Randy Orton after a chaotic match that saw interference from R-Truth.

John Cena and Randy Orton’s decades-long rivalry reached what may be its final chapter at WWE Backlash 2025, with the WWE Universal Championship on the line.

In a match defined by nostalgia, reversals, and chaos, Cena emerged victorious after interference from R-Truth helped tilt the balance.

The match opened with mutual respect as Cena offered a handshake. Orton accepted, but the moment quickly devolved into a brutal exchange.

The pair revisited old favourites, from Orton’s signature stomps to Cena’s chain of shoulder tackles and a Five Knuckle Shuffle.

In a throwback to their iconic battles, Orton countered an Attitude Adjustment into an RKO, igniting the St. Louis crowd.

Cena dodged a Punt Kick, only for Orton to evade a retaliatory strike.

A mistimed referee bump prevented a decisive count following a second RKO.

The action spilled ringside, where Orton delivered another RKO and sent Cena crashing through a table.

Despite flattening every official in sight, Orton was unable to secure a pin.

As the match reached its peak, R-Truth rushed to the ring, intervening in defence of Cena, whom he has long called a “childhood hero.”

Orton landed an RKO on Truth, but the distraction gave Cena enough time to strike a low blow and blast Orton with the title belt.

Cena secured the three-count as the crowd erupted in mixed reactions.

Climbing to the top rope with mic in hand, Cena declared himself “the last real champion,” closing the night on a defiant note.