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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SmackDown recap & reactions: Polish the Peacemaker
The main event segment of this week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown from Knoxville was all about WWE Champion John Cena making his return and Cody Rhodes following him up. These two finally met again at Saturday Night's Main Event this past weekend, and it set the stage for a tag team match at Money in the Bank. Advertisement So how would they build to that? Rhodes was out first to talk about how he felt in the wake of losing the championship at WrestleMania. He retreated within for a time, maybe had a drink or two, and confided in a friend about it. He asked 'was I a good champion?' He was told he faced some really difficult challenges and responded to them well. Yes, he was a good champion. Rhodes thought about the year he had, AJ Styles getting the drop on him, his friend sucker punching him, his boss pushing him, The Final Boss asking for his soul and how sincere he was with all of it. And he also thought about none other than John Cena. Advertisement He did exactly what he said he was going to do, forcing Cody to make a choice, and 'I hesitated.' If Cena ruins wrestling like he says he's going to, Rhodes says he's partially to blame for that. 'If you are listening, champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again.' Character growth? He got back to chatting with the fans and said he's finally back and came with a surprise. They already knew what it was — YEET! They worked the gimmick — including doing the encore — but before Jey could speak, Cena made his way out. He called the two of them 'John Cena wannabes' and it makes him sick. Rhodes wants his fame and Jey wants his money but they're too desperate and too lazy to get either. Advertisement There's only one other human being in WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty, and respect with the fortune, fame, and followers to back that up. Cena introduced that man, his partner at Money in the Bank. Friggin' Logan Paul, man. The boos were tremendous. Cena got some cheers mixed in, because that's just how it's always going to be. Paul rightfully pointed out he could walk on water and the fans who just say it's only because he can't swim. He ran down Jey and Cody, calling them 'nepo babies born on third thinking they hit a triple' while he and Cena are self made men. Paul also put over Cena as the Last Real Champion and called himself the future of this company. It was actually a damn good promo, especially considering who he was cutting it in front of. Advertisement Jey told them they could run it right now. John tried to leave when Logan tapped him and told him they should tussle. A brief argument ended when Rhodes made a joke about Logan polishing the Peacemaker. The ensuing physical confrontation saw the babyfaces get the best of it, and Rhodes celebrate by holding up the title he lost. I never thought I would see the day that Logan Paul is carrying some of the weight for John Cena but here we are. And it kind of rules. I'm ready for this one, folks. WWE was in Knoxville for this show, and despite the fact that she's still injured, Bianca Belair made her return. They treated it like a big homecoming, threw on Rocky Top, and let everyone sing and have a good time. Fun was had. Advertisement Belair called it not just home but her 'safe space.' She's been through so much, she just wanted to come back home to heal up. She promised to continue doing everything she can to get back to the ring fully healthy and the fans all cheered. It was a decent little feel good moment for all involved. And then Naomi showed up. They booed her like she was Dirty Dominik Mysterio in literally any city in America. Naomi claimed she wanted to talk to Belair about everything that happened between them, and then outright begged for forgiveness. Then it got weird. Real weird. Naomi admitted to going by Belair's parent's house, and even letting herself in when they weren't home. She found a photo album and went through it, finding satisfaction in how happy Bianca was and allowing that to remind her of the good times they had together. Advertisement Belair, of course, was disgusted and again shut Naomi down. Tears were shed. They gave way to maniacal rage and threats on the family. This Naomi character is utterly unhinged, and it's maybe the best thing she's ever done. I thought it was overdone at first but she's gotten much more comfortable with it and has become deeply unsettling in the best way possible. Jade Cargill showed up to fight Naomi off and then Nia Jax joined the party so they could go right into their triple threat Money in the Bank qualifying match. They had a relatively hard fought battle all around before a superplex powerbomb led to Jax going for an Annihilator but only hitting Cargill. Jax rolled her up off that and got the pin to advance. This was absolutely the right call and for my money they should push as hard as they can with this character. She's fantastic. Advertisement They gave her a confrontation with current Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton backstage a bit later. They also had Alexa Bliss show up to remind us she, too, is in the Money in the Bank ladder match. She's great too but I'm all the way behind Naomi at this point. All the rest R-Truth met JC Mateo and called him 'husky' before asking Solo Sikoa to take him to the ring and teach him a lesson. They're big boned, Truth said. Sikoa just wanted to have fun but Jacob Fatu left them to their own devices for all that because he had other business to attend to. Meanwhile, you'll never guess what happened when Truth met Mateo in the ring. Oh, you think it was a glorified squash match? Then yeah, you totally could guess. Jimmy Uso made the save after the match and commentary reminded us Solo wants to woo him back to the group. Mateo laid him out anyway and it sure looks like a reunion isn't even necessary. Anyway, I think we've all moved on from this thing haven't we? Chelsea Green's nose is broken so she had the Secret Hervice hold up a photo of her in front of her face while talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. This is the kind of ridiculous fun pro wrestling is great for. Green is the best in roles like this. They chatted until they got Alba Fyre booked to wrestle Zelina Vega. Later in the evening, Vega overcame THAT DAMN NUMBERS GAME to defeat Fyre after the Code Red. They're pushing Vega as crafty and resilient, someone who always finds a way. It's a good angle for her. Of course, they teased Giulia coming after her, so she'll need to be every bit of that soon enough if that's the direction they go. Sounds fun to me! The Street Profits called the tag team division on the blue brand the best of any promotion. Naturally, pretty much the entirety of the division showed up to say they deserve the next shot at the titles. Tommaso Ciampa actually said the division has been killed by the rest of them and asked for a moment of silence. Naturally, that's when the lights went down and The Wyatt Sicks showed up to crash the party, effectively wiping everyone out and kinda sorta proving Ciampa right. If you're into this, it's great, if you're not, well, at least it's not the worst thing? I can never decide how I feel about it from week to week. Je'Von Evans got to work a match on this week's show, teaming up with Rey Fenix to take on Legado del Fantasma as a way to preview Worlds Collide and get some play for NXT, as North American Champion Ethan Page was also on commentary for it. There was a time that would have felt like the most bizarre thing in the world, huh? Anyway, Evans looked great, like it won't be long before he's a main roster mainstay winning a lot of Intercontinental championships. He came up short here, however, as Los Garza took care of business thanks to Page interfering. This was all pretty well done, and a solid showing for everyone involved. The Miz claimed he gave up his chance to be in the Money in the Bank qualifying match so that Carmelo Hayes could be in it. Miz promised to lead him to greatness if he wins too. Hayes rebuked all of this, claimed he's here on his own talent, and drove a wedge right between them. It sure looks like these two will be done sooner rather than later. Damian Priest got some time on the mic to say that he put Drew McIntyre in the past with that Con-Chair-To at Saturday Night's Main Event. He still can't stand McIntyre but the guy who went into the cage with him was the old Drew, the warrior, and he appreciated that. As for what's next, he said there's a champion he considers the most badass right now and it's someone he has unfinished business with — Jacob Fatu. He respects him and he's proud of him but he doesn't respect the crew he follows around. He promised to come for him sooner rather than later. That match could be fun. As he was heading to the back, Fatu came out for his qualifier. They shared a brief staredown and a nod of the head. Sure. That qualifier happened right after all this, and it was a damn fun match. At the end, Sikoa and Mateo hit the ring to get involved but Jimmy Uso showed up again to throw Mateo out of the way. Fatu was distracted by it all, and ended up getting knocked into Sikoa and taken out of the ring by Hayes. Andrade took advantage of the confusion and punched his ticket by taking down Hayes. Immediately, Fatu was arguing with his crew ringside while Andrade celebrated on his way to the back. This was probably the right call here but it feels wrong seeing Fatu lose matches like this, even when he doesn't have to take the pin. They ended on Fatu angrily storming off from Sikoa backstage. This was a solid show from the blue brand. Grade: B Your turn. More from
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tension builds between John Cena and Logan Paul ahead of Money in the Bank
Image via WWE The upcoming Money in the Bank event on June 7 is already stirring excitement, but behind the scenes on WWE SmackDown, tensions between WWE Champion John Cena and his tag team partner Logan Paul have started to show. The duo is set to team up against Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso in what promises to be a high-stakes tag team match. However, their alliance seems far from smooth, as recent SmackDown episodes have revealed moments of disagreement and frustration between the two. SmackDown Showdown Reveals Early Signs of Discord On the May 30 episode of SmackDown, the segment opened with Rhodes and Uso standing in the ring, only to be interrupted by Cena, who quickly brought out Paul to join him. Cena spoke highly of Paul, praising him for 'doing WWE better than any professional wrestler.' This endorsement, however, did not prevent a clash of opinions soon after. FULL SEGMENT: Cody Rhodes goes in on John Cena and Logan Paul in epic promo: SmackDown, May 30, 2025 The tension arose when Uso challenged Cena and Paul to an immediate brawl. Cena appeared reluctant to engage, preferring to walk away, but Paul insisted on accepting the challenge. This disagreement between Cena and Paul led to a brief but noticeable argument, highlighting cracks in their partnership. The verbal sparring quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, but it was Rhodes and Uso who gained the upper hand. They landed their signature Co-D combo, Cody Cutter and 1D - and ended the show with Rhodes holding Cena's WWE Championship belt aloft, a symbolic moment that hinted at Cena's frustration. Verbal Exchanges and Fan Reactions Add to the Drama The bitterness between Cena and Paul was further underscored earlier in the show when Cena called out Rhodes and Uso as 'wannabes' and labeled them 'John Cena wannabes.' He also defended Paul, calling him a 'self-made man' and suggesting that Paul didn't need to pay his dues like others. Paul followed this up with verbal attacks on Uso and Rhodes, claiming he nearly won the World Heavyweight Championship on his own. However, the differences between Cena and Paul became more evident when Paul pushed Cena to join a brawl he seemed hesitant to enter. Cena's reluctance contrasted with Paul's eagerness to fight, leaving fans wondering how well this tag team can function. Fans on social media have noticed the tension as well. A tweet from Wrestle Ops highlighted that 'Cena and Paul's alliance has only begun and there's already tension.' Fans have expressed mixed feelings about the partnership, with some doubting Paul's role and others questioning Cena's current direction. With only one more SmackDown episode before Money in the Bank, all eyes will be on Cena and Paul's relationship as the countdown begins for their high-profile match. Whether they can put aside their differences or if this internal conflict will cost them the match remains to be seen.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
John Cena Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Behind WWE Retirement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE legend John Cena offered candid insight this week into the pivotal decision to make 2025 his final year as an active professional wrestler, citing the physical toll of his career. Cena, who is currently on a unique heel retirement tour as the Undisputed WWE Champion, shared his perspective during an appearance on Stephanie McMahon's ESPN+ show, Stephanie's Places. In a clip he posted to X from the interview, Cena explained an epiphany regarding his physical capabilities. He acknowledged that he can no longer perform at the level he once did. "My skills are on the regress," Cena stated. "If I continue at a full-time physical capability or involvement, I'm not gonna run right, my partner's not gonna run right and our relationship's not gonna run right. Sorry kid, it's time to close this chapter." Despite this, his passion remains undiminished: "I wish I was 18, I wish I felt great because I don't feel more at home—besides in the arms of my wife—than I do on a canvas." Cena also revealed his proactive approach to this final run: "I had pitched this idea, a real wrestling farewell, and hoping that they would see the business of it." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Cena had announced at Money in the Bank in Toronto in 2024 that 2025 would be his WWE retirement tour. While he has been a part-time performer in recent years due to his burgeoning Hollywood career, his in-ring decline has become more apparent as he recently turned 48, an age at which physical decline is common for wrestlers. Initially, WWE fans fully supported the start of Cena's farewell, hoping he would capture a record-tying 17th world title. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: John Cena addresses the crowd during Monday Night RAW at Intuit Dome on January 6, 2025 in Inglewood, California. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: John Cena addresses the crowd during Monday Night RAW at Intuit Dome on January 6, 2025 in Inglewood, California. WWE/Getty Images He did win the Men's Elimination Chamber match in February 2025, earning that title shot, but then shocked WWE fans that same night by viciously attacking Cody Rhodes and turning heel for the first time in over two decades, aligning with The Rock. Cena defeated Rhodes for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 through nefarious means and has since reveled in breaking rules as a dominant heel champion. This approach is like typical retirement tours, which usually feature beloved babyfaces receiving widespread adulation. Instead, Cena is actively garnering significant heel heat, making his final months arguably the most unique farewell tour in wrestling history, with fans guessing if a final babyface turn might occur before his December exit. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Rattled me off the bat": Stephanie McMahon and John Cena share funny moments and WWE secrets in podcast
Stephanie McMahon and John Cena (Image via WWE) John Cena appeared on the latest episode of Stephanie's Places, and it turned out to be full of laughs and touching memories. The episode gave fans a closer look at Cena's amazing WWE journey, but it also started with a funny moment that caught everyone's attention. The show, hosted by Stephanie McMahon , features WWE stars sharing stories about their careers in places important to them. Big names like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Stone Cold Steve Austin have already been on the show. This time, it was John Cena's turn, and the episode was both funny and heartwarming. John Cena's suit surprise at the gym Stephanie McMahon visited John Cena at his personal gym, Hard Knocks South. They were ready to talk about his 20+ years in WWE, but something funny happened before they even started. Cena showed up wearing a suit, thinking it would be a formal interview. But Stephanie came in gym clothes, ready to work out! Cena laughed and joked that only one of them was dressed right for the gym. Stephanie later shared the moment on her X (formerly Twitter) account. "Rattled me off the bat! Always dress for the occasion! :))) Thank you @JohnCena for all of the time, stories and perspective I will never forget Hard Knocks South! #StephaniesPlaces @WWE @ESPNPlus @OmahaProd" Even with the outfit mix-up, the episode was very special. Cena gave Stephanie a tour of his gym and talked about how he stays fit and focused, even as his career starts to slow down. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Fans got to see a more personal side of him, away from the bright lights of WWE. John Cena thanks Stephanie McMahon for helping with his heel character In this episode, John Cena also shared about how Stephanie helped him in his latest WWE role. At Elimination Chamber, Cena became a heel (a bad guy) and later won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. His new character has been different, and he gave credit to Stephanie for inspiring him. Stephanie's Places with John Cena (ep.10) He said, 'Can I just say I had some really good people to learn from. You are on a very short list of names that falls into. I flat out steal a lot from you. So, thanks for helping me through this.' This shows how much Cena respects Stephanie, not just as a host, but as someone who has helped him grow in WWE. Apart from this, Cena is also busy with his next match. At Money In The Bank, he will team up with Logan Paul to face Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. The match was made after Cena helped Paul during a recent title match, which led to a big tag team challenge. Also Read: WWE's Triple H fondly remembers the beginning of his relationship with Stephanie McMahon This episode of Stephanie's Places gave fans, stories and real moments between two important WWE names. As a whole, it was fun and emotional, but Cena showing up in a suit at the gym added a light moment of embarrassment that fans, and Cena, will never forget. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
John Cena Names Favorite WWE Feuds of All-Time
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Now in his record-breaking 17th world championship reign, John Cena can easily make a case that he is the greatest professional wrestler of all time. While Cena is definitely talented and has earned this status, no pro wrestler reaches the pinnacles of the business without worthy opponents and iconic feuds. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Asuka In-Ring Return Update: Report Hulk Hogan had Rowdy Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels had Bret Hart (and vice versa), and Stone Cold Steve Austin had Vince McMahon. And according to Cena, he has three feuds he would consider his greatest. LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 24: Wrestler John Cena picks up wrestler Randy Orton as wrestler Triple H (R) looks on during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24,... LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 24: Wrestler John Cena picks up wrestler Randy Orton as wrestler Triple H (R) looks on during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. MoreDuring a recent appearance at Philadelphia Fan Expo, Cena was asked what his top three feuds in his career were. "I guess our goal as performers are to try and get you guys interested," Cena said, per Jeremy Lambert of Fightful. "Some of the most interesting ones over the years might have been The Rock, CM Punk, the third one I'll leave up to the fans." John Cena was at the Philadelphia Fan Expo and names The Rock, CM Punk and Randy Orton as his favorite feuds — Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) May 27, 2025 After the fan mentioned Randy Orton, Cena quickly replied, "You know what, Randy Orton." More Pro Wrestling: AEW President Tony Khan Calls Out WWE Counter Programming Given all the excellent feuds he's been a part of, Cena isn't wrong with these three choices. Cena's feud with The Rock remains one off the most high-profile rivalries in the history of professional wrestling, main eventing two WrestleManias and creating some of the biggest buzz in the industry. Meanwhile, Cena's rivalry with CM Punk featured some of the greatest matches in both wrestler's careers. This includes their incredible match at Money in the Bank 2011 where CM Punk left the stadium with the WWE Championship. Finally, Cena's feud with Orton dates back to when they were in Ohio Valley Wrestling, WWE's old developmental system. Because of this, its hard to think of either Superstar without mentioning the other. While these are three excellent choices for Cena's greatest rivalries, there are others that truly brought out the best out of him, including Bryan Danielson, AJ Styles, John Bradshaw Layfield, Shawn Michaels, and, of course, Edge. More Pro Wrestling: Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut Legendary Wrestling Announcer Jim Ross To Undergo Surgery WWE Superstar Zoey Stark Shares Major Injury Update Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Shares Major Surgery Update WWE Legend Reveals Secret Meeting AEW's MJF About Dream Match For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
