John Cena becomes the most decorated WWE Champion in history with record-breaking WrestleMania 41 win over Cody Rhodes in Las Vegas!
John Cena has officially etched his name in the WWE history books — and this time, he’s not playing the hero.
The wrestling icon secured his record-setting 17th World Championship on April 20, defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 in front of nearly 65,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
John Cena‘s historic win didn’t just mark a milestone — it also marked a stunning continuation of his recent heel turn. In March, the once-beloved face of WWE shocked fans by turning villain, and he leaned all the way into that persona during Sunday night’s explosive main event.
The match was anything but clean. John Cena resorted to a low blow and struck Rhodes with the championship belt before pinning him for the win. But that wasn’t the only controversial moment of the night.
Making a surprise appearance was none other than Travis Scott, who stormed into the arena with a championship belt casually draped over his shoulder. Just when Cody Rhodes was about to seal the deal with his Cross Rhodes finisher, Travis Scott pulled the referee out of the ring to stop the count. Although Cody Rhodes managed to hit Travis Scott with another Cross Rhodes, the interference gave John Cena enough time to recover and capitalize — ultimately pinning Cody Rhodes and sealing his place in WWE lore.
With the win, John Cena now stands alone above Ric Flair, who held the previous record of 16 world titles.
This landmark moment comes during what John Cena has called his farewell run, following his July 2024 announcement that 2025 would be his final year competing in the ring.
In true heel fashion, John Cena made it clear last month that he planned to go out on top.
“I will win that championship and retire with it,” he told the crowd in March. “I am taking it home with me and leaving all of you to create a brand-new toy belt because the real one comes home with me. I will be the last real champion in WWE.”
The 47-year-old star, who turns 48 on April 23, hinted last year that retirement could come by age 50. During a 2024 interview on the 3rd hour of TODAY, John Cena shared his thoughts on stepping away.
“That sounds pretty accurate, right? Fifty is half of 100,” he said at the time. “I love being in the ring, that’s the one thing I wish I could do forever, but the crop of these superstars in there now, the sport is fast, it’s young, and it’s exciting. I got the exciting and enthusiasm part, I don’t have the fast or the young.”
Fast or not, John Cena just proved he’s still got what it takes — and now, he’s officially the most decorated champion in WWE history.
