Cody Rhodes took a brutal shot at John Cena and a former WWE champion, on SmackDown.
Tonight’s episode of SmackDown ended with a segment featuring Cody Rhodes and John Cena. Many believed, heading in, that Rhodes and Cena would have a war of words, and they did. However, at the end of the day, The American Nightmare won said war, with two other WWE superstars in attendance.
Rhodes came out and gave the WWE Universe in Knoxville, Tennessee, a surprise. He had his tag team partner for Money in the Bank come out. Together, the two were ready to address the fans before John Cena‘s music hit, and he proceeded to berate the two stars. He claimed that both of them were “wanna be” versions of him before inviting his tag partner to the ring, Logan Paul.
The Maverick came out and agreed with everything Cena said before claiming that Uso and Rhodes were “nepo babies”, while the two of them were “self-made men.” The segment would’ve ended there, but as Cena was getting ready to leave, Rhodes got one last shot in, wondering if Paul was going to go backstage and “polish” Cena’s “peacemaker.”
“What are you guys arguing about? Are you gonna go back there and polish his Peacemaker?”
— Cody Rhodes#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/pHSPDeDtmz
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 31, 2025
After that comment, a brawl ensued, which saw the duo of Rhodes and Uso come out on top. Both men stood victorious as their opponents for Money in the Bank stared in disbelief.
Cody Rhodes still has his sights set on the Undisputed WWE Championship
Another thing that this segment made clear is Cody Rhodes’ plan for the future. As of now, The American Nightmare’s aim is to beat John Cena. However, he also has his eyes on winning back the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Rhodes has promised to make sure that the Last Real Champion does not ruin wrestling. However, if he can win the title along the way, that would surely be a bonus. After all, he looked pretty happy to have the title in his hands tonight on SmackDown.