The atmosphere on WWE Raw on March 31, 2025, was electric, as one of the most anticipated matchups in recent WWE history took place. John Cena, the 16-time World Champion, was visibly frustrated and angry as he stepped into the ring to face off against Cody Rhodes, the former AEW star turned WWE powerhouse, in a match that had been building for weeks. The animosity between Cena and Rhodes had reached a boiling point, and this showdown was set to be a clash of generations, with both men looking to prove something to each other—and the WWE Universe.

The Build-Up: Tension Between Generations

In the weeks leading up to this match, there had been a lot of back-and-forth between the two stars. Cena, known for his relentless work ethic, had been watching Cody Rhodes’ rise in WWE with a mixture of admiration and skepticism. Cena, a cornerstone of the company for over two decades, saw a lot of himself in Cody—particularly his drive and his ability to command the crowd. However, it seemed that Cena wasn’t impressed with Rhodes’ recent behavior, particularly after Cody’s bold challenges and some critical comments about Cena’s legacy.

On the other hand, Cody Rhodes had been making waves since returning to WWE, claiming that the future of WWE rested on the shoulders of superstars like him, not on the backs of aging legends like Cena. Cody’s rise had been a carefully crafted journey, with a lot of eyes watching his every move. He had been vocal about wanting to “make history” and prove that his time had come. Rhodes had been ruffling feathers backstage and among the fans by questioning Cena’s role in today’s WWE landscape. His remarks about Cena’s absence from regular action and his desire to “pass the torch” did not sit well with the veteran superstar.

Cena’s Anger: A Battle of Pride and Legacy

When John Cena walked out onto the Raw stage on March 31, 2025, the frustration was palpable. The normally composed Cena seemed visibly angry, and his body language told the story of a man who was not happy about the way his legacy was being disrespected. Cena has always been an advocate for hard work and respect in the locker room, and he wasn’t going to take kindly to anyone, especially someone like Cody Rhodes, undermining that legacy.

Cena’s anger wasn’t just about the words that were exchanged in the weeks before the match—it was about the underlying challenge. Cody Rhodes had dared to question whether Cena was still relevant, and Cena couldn’t let that slide. The stakes were incredibly high for both men. For Cena, this match wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing the world that the old guard still had something left to prove. For Rhodes, it was about proving that he could step out from Cena’s shadow and take his place as the new face of WWE.

The Match: A Clash of Styles and Emotions

As the bell rang to start the match, the intensity was immediate. Cena’s anger was evident as he charged at Rhodes with an intensity rarely seen from the usually composed veteran. The tension between the two was unmistakable, and the crowd could feel the animosity simmering in every move. Cena, driven by his anger, was throwing hard punches and delivering his signature moves with extra force, almost as if he was trying to teach Rhodes a lesson in respect.

Cody Rhodes, however, wasn’t backing down. His recent time in WWE had sharpened his in-ring skills, and he was determined to show Cena that he wasn’t a “flash-in-the-pan” talent. Rhodes fought with everything he had, using his agility and technical prowess to counter Cena’s power and experience. It was clear that Rhodes was matching Cena blow for blow, refusing to be intimidated by the legendary superstar. The match quickly turned into a fast-paced, back-and-forth contest, with neither man giving an inch.

As the match wore on, Cena’s frustration grew. There were moments where he seemed to lose his cool, throwing more reckless punches than usual and breaking from his usual calculated approach. Meanwhile, Cody’s cocky confidence began to shine through, especially when he hit Cena with a series of quick, impactful moves like the Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes. Every time Rhodes gained an advantage, the crowd cheered louder, and Cena’s anger became more apparent.

The Turning Point: Cena’s Breakdown

The turning point in the match came when Cena, clearly losing his temper, attempted his trademark Attitude Adjustment on Rhodes, only for Cody to reverse it into a devastating Cody Cutter. The crowd exploded as Cena staggered, clearly rattled by the momentum shift. This was the moment where Cena’s anger began to work against him. Rhodes seized the opportunity, hitting Cena with another Cross Rhodes, and then preparing to finish the match with his Tiger Driver.

Cena, however, wasn’t about to go down without a fight. In a moment of pure grit, he kicked out of the pinfall attempt and managed to lock in his signature STF submission hold. The crowd was on their feet, as Cena’s anger seemed to fuel his final push to reclaim control.

The Finale: A Shocking Conclusion

Just when it seemed like Cena might lock in the STF and secure the win, Cody Rhodes fought out of the hold and caught Cena off guard with a roll-up, securing the pinfall in a shocking conclusion.

The arena erupted as the referee’s hand hit the mat for the three-count. Cody Rhodes had defeated John Cena in a hard-fought battle, proving that he could stand toe-to-toe with one of WWE’s most respected and decorated stars. The victory was not just a career-defining moment for Rhodes but also a symbolic passing of the torch in front of the WWE Universe. Cena, visibly frustrated but begrudgingly respecting the effort of his opponent, stood up after the match and extended his hand to Rhodes.

Cody hesitated for a moment, staring Cena down, before shaking his hand. It was a sign of mutual respect, but Cena’s anger had not fully subsided. He left the ring without saying a word, knowing that the fire of his rivalry with Rhodes was far from extinguished.

The Fallout: What’s Next for Cena and Rhodes?

The aftermath of this match will surely have long-lasting implications for both superstars. Cody Rhodes has now proven he can hang with the very best WWE has to offer, and his victory over John Cena further solidifies his position as a top player in the company. The victory could lead to bigger opportunities, potentially a run at the WWE Championship or another high-profile feud with a top star.

As for John Cena, his anger and frustration might have been a driving force in the match, but he will have to face the reality that time is catching up to him. His loss to Rhodes may be the wake-up call he needs to adjust his mindset. Does Cena’s anger drive him to become even more determined to prove himself, or does he start to question whether his time in WWE is nearing its end?

One thing is for certain—Cody Rhodes has proven himself, and John Cena will never forget the anger, intensity, and passion that marked their historic encounter. The future of WWE could very well be shaped by the fallout of this intense rivalry, and the WWE Universe is watching closely to see what happens next for both men.