Arch-rivals John Cena and Cody Rhodes set for another face-off at this week's SmackDown
(Image via WWE)
WWE
is gearing up for another fierce face-off on this week's SmackDown on Friday, as arch-rivals
John Cena
and Cody Rhodes are ready to lock horns after their intense battle for clinching the WWE Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas this year in 2025.
Both the 17-time WWE World Champion John Cena and former champion 'The American Nightmare' Cody Rhodes will appear live on this Friday night's episode of SmackDown in Knoxville, Tennessee. While Cena was already confirmed for the show, Rhodes will now have the opportunity to confront his rival.
Ever since WrestleMania 41, the American Nightmare was not seen in action, until he made his comeback at the recently held Saturday Night's Main Event in Tampa, Florida, on May 24, 2025.
While the Cenation Leader, who is busy with his farewell tour campaign, was last seen in action against R-Truth at the same event. He is currently preparing for his next big bout with Logan Paul at the Money in the Bank event.
John Cena and Cody to appear on this week's SmackDown in Tennessee
WWE has officially confirmed the return of John Cena and Cody Rhodes once again for an intense feud on this week's SmackDown in Tennessee. This storyline will make further development in the upcoming Money in the Bank event, slated to go live on June 7, 2025 from California.
According to WWE, 'After Cody Rhodes attacked
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena
, while making his shocking return at Saturday Night's Main Event, The American Nightmare and Cena will be on the same SmackDown for the first time since before WrestleMania.'
As per reports, Rhodes made a surprise return to television this past Saturday night at Saturday Night's Main Event, where he helped World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso defend his title against Logan Paul.
During the match, Cena interfered, leading to the announcement that Rhodes and Jey Uso will team up to face Cena and Paul at Money in the Bank on June 7th at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
With the tag team match comprising of Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso against Cena and Logan Paul, this week's Friday night may prove to be another career milestone for these heavyweight wrestlers, as well as John Cena, who is preparing to say goodbye to the ring forever.
John Cena vs. R-Truth: Saturday Night's Main Event, May 24, 2025
It is to be noted that Cena and Cody Rhodes' rivalry started at the
Elimination Chamber PLE
when Rhodes refused to sell his soul to The Rock. He was then attacked by John Cena, who turned heel for the first time, along with Travis Scott, which left Rhodes injured.
Also Read
:
Stephanie Vaquer reportedly moves to WWE RAW after shocking NXT title loss
To avenge the attack, Rhodes went against John Cena at WrestleMania 41, but failed to retain his title. The American Nightmare was brutally defeated and attacked by Cena and Travis Scott during the Show of Shows. As Rhodes is finally appearing on the ring again, it will be interesting to watch what surprise the arch rivals will bring to the table this week on the Blue Brand.
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