Why John Cena’s final SummerSlam fight against Cody Rhodes deserves attention? Here’s what you need to know about the main event card

The final time is here. John Cena’s iconic WWE career is coming to an end, and his final SummerSlam match against Cody Rhodes will pave the way for WWE’s immediate plan for the Undisputed Championship. Now, why John Cena’s final SummerSlam fight against Cody Rhodes deserves attention? Obviously, it is Cena’s final match in the big annual event, but more than that, it would be interesting to see how WWE prepares him to bid farewell, as a heel or a face?

John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes match at SummerSlam— loads of emotion at stake

John Cena vs.

Cody Rhodes match at SummerSlam inherently adds emotional anticipation among fans. On one hand, it’s Cena’s retirement tour, and on the other hand, Cody has been the ultimate face of the company since his return. Cena’s final months in WWE are playing out like a cinematic farewell, but this match against Cody Rhodes could be its most intense chapter yet.

After dethroning Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 in controversial fashion to become a 17-time World Champion, officially surpassing Ric Flair, Cena has been basking in villainy.

But fans who’ve followed his journey for two decades know that this isn’t the Cena they grew up with.Now, in a rematch with added stakes and a brutal Street Fight stipulation, emotions are high. Rhodes, who’s been painted as WWE’s modern-day hero, is no longer just trying to reclaim the title. He’s looking to "save the industry," as he put it, from the man who swore to take the championship and retire with it. Cena himself declared that he is going to take the belt and go home because it doesn’t make any sense to end a championship lineage going back to the early 1960s.

Behind the scenes, WWE may be setting up for a double turn, a rare narrative twist where hero and villain switch roles mid-story. It's been teased that Cena is growing uneasy with his heel tactics, while Cody’s aggression hints at a darker edge. If Rhodes cheats to win and Cena finally sees the error of his ways, this would be another epic moment in his final tour.

Who will win the John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes match at SummerSlam — our prediction

While Cena’s 100-day reign as champion has added historical weight to his legacy, the end may be near.

He still has 14 appearances left on his farewell tour, but keeping the title on him too long risks overshadowing the rest of the roster. Cody Rhodes, fresh off winning the 2025 King of the Ring tournament, is expected to reclaim his gold.

Our prediction? Rhodes wins. Not just because he’s overdue, but because WWE needs to push forward. This is likely the last major stage these two will share. Plus, the WrestleMania 41 match didn’t quite land the emotional blow fans hoped for.

Expect them both to go all in this time— Cena for redemption, Cody for revenge.

And don't rule out surprises. The Rock— “The Final Boss”— has been rumored to appear, and if he does, the outcome could be flipped in an instant.

Where to Watch John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes Match at SummerSlam?

The two-night SummerSlam event will be held at MetLife Stadium and stream live on Peacock in the United States starting at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT. International fans can catch all the action on Netflix, as part of WWE’s groundbreaking global deal with the streaming giant. Make sure your subscription is active— fans in some regions may face extra charges for pay-per-view access.Also Read: Florida honors Hulk Hogan with statewide tribute as Ron DeSantis lowers flags for wrestling legend