“THANK GOD”- Wrestling fans elated after WWE confirms John Cena’s final appearance before WrestleMania 41
John Cena is set to appear one more time before going head-to-head with Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania for the 17th World Championship.

John Cena on WWE RAW (via WWE)
John Cena is officially set to face Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 41, and he’s heading into Allegiant Stadium with one goal—becoming a historic 17-time World Champion. However, fans were a bit concerned, as Cena hadn’t been advertised for any WWE appearances in April leading up to the big event. That’s now changed, as WWE has finally confirmed The Cenation Leader’s next appearance.
WWE has officially advertised Cena for the go-home edition of SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania. The show will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will serve as the final stop before The Show of Shows. Rhodes is also set to appear, setting the stage for a possible heated face-off between the two before their massive main event clash.
During his last appearance, Cena engaged in a fiery war of words with Rhodes. He spoke about how he helped lay the foundation of WWE and hinted at his plan to shake things up before the year ends. But The American Nightmare wasn’t backing down. He responded not just with bold words but with a vicious Cross Rhodes, sending a clear message as he heads into WrestleMania with confidence.
BREAKING: John Cena is set for next week’s #SmackDown. The final show before WrestleMania 41 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Vbqsl5eRjG
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) April 9, 2025
That said, WrestleMania is just days away, and the excitement is through the roof. For the first time in over a decade, the 16-time World Champion will headline The Show of Shows. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes is gearing up for his fourth straight WrestleMania main event. All eyes are on Las Vegas to see how this epic showdown unfolds.
WWE Universe reacted to John Cena’s return to SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania
The WWE Universe is buzzing with excitement over the return of The Cenation Leader just ahead of WrestleMania. Many fans were relieved that WWE isn’t dropping this highly anticipated match, while others speculated about what’s next for Cena after taking a Cross Rhodes from Cody on Raw. On top of that, some fans predict that The Rock might also return on this week’s episode of SmackDown.

Moreover, fans believed that Cena would be dropping a bombshell on SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania that could change the trajectory of WWE. From the wide spectrum of views, here are the top reactions of the fans on X:
THANK GOD
— Selling VC STUBS CUT MUT/badge grinder/REP grinder (@mtpluggrinder) April 9, 2025
He’s gonna get payback on Cody and that’ll mean Cody is winning on night 2 🙄
— Isiah Madrigal (@Realisiah1) April 9, 2025
It’s needed
— Wrestle G (@Wrestle_G) April 9, 2025
You have to have that go home momentum for your main event
Watch him show up this Friday too
— ✪ (@CubanPete__) April 9, 2025
The champ returns before the storm!
— आपका अपना विवेक 🇮🇳 (@VivekGverma7) April 9, 2025
Will John Cena drop a bombshell before WrestleMania 41?
Yeah Cody is retaining John is definitely getting his get back on Friday
— SCOOTER001 (@ManOfFaith001) April 9, 2025
Final Boss confirmed!!!
— Christina (@Christhegoaty) April 9, 2025
However, some fans see this as a sign that The American Nightmare is likely to retain his WWE Championship at WrestleMania, especially with the limited appearances from the 16-time World Champion. Still, the WWE Universe remains excited to see what’s next for The Franchise Player as the road to WrestleMania heats up.
John Cena to become 17-time World Champion at WrestleMania 41?
John Cena is on the verge of making history at WrestleMania. He’s promised to break Ric Flair’s legendary record by capturing his 17th World Title in Las Vegas. But the bigger the moment, the more it makes fans question—will WWE really pull the trigger this time on The Grandest Stage of Them All?

There’s a strong chance that Cena could walk out of WrestleMania as a 17-time World Champion. WWE has been rewriting its history lately, and if there’s anyone who can carry Flair’s legacy to new heights, it’s John Cena. Plus, having him lose his first match after a heel turn would be a major blow to his new persona—something WWE might want to avoid.
Additionally, the Hollywood icon has the support of none other than The Rock and Travis Scott. With that kind of star power in his corner, Cena could very well end Cody Rhodes’ title reign at WrestleMania. All signs seem to be pointing toward the 47-year-old making history under the bright lights of Sin City.