In a classic main event at WrestleMania 41, John Cena cemented his place in the history books of WWE as he defeated Cody Rhodes to claim his 17th world championship. In the process, Cena broke Ric Flair’s record of 16 world title reigns, and with this feat, the hitherto unbreakable record was achieved.
Shocking Heel Turn of John Cena
The match wasn’t merely for the title it was the culmination of one of the most surprising character turns in recent WWE history. John Cena, the face of WWE for more than two decades, shocked the wrestling world with a long-awaited heel turn. That started simmering earlier this year. It formally began on Elimination Chamber 2025 When John Cena formed an alliance with The Rock and brutally attacked Rhodes, marking the end of the ‘Hustle, Loyalty, Respect’ era and the start of a darker and more brutal take on the 16-time champion.
Fans had been fantasy-booked Cena’s heel turn for years, but the actual version was even better. At WrestleMania 41, Cena not only accepted the boos he lived for them, enjoying playing the villain.
The main event of WrestleMania 41 was a heated and emotional bout. Special guest Travis Scott caused a distraction towards the end of the match and assisted John Cena in gaining momentum back. Cena landed a low blow in a telling moment and went on to deliver a WWE Championship belt shot to Rhodes. He then covered him for the victory. The crowd at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas was divided. Some applauded the cleverness of John Cena, while others booed the betrayal by their number-one babyface.
What It Means for WWE
Cena’s heel turn creates the opportunity for several interesting feuds as he embarks on his retirement tour. His victory has restored balance to the WWE power structure, and Rhodes, formerly the face of WWE’s new generation, is now at a storytelling fork in the road. Will he seek revenge? Or will WWE elevate a new challenger to pursue the historic new champion?
Top 5 Wrestlers with Most World Title Reigns
Below are the all-time greats who have the most world championship reigns in WWE and its affiliated promotions:
1. John Cena – 17 reigns
Cena’s recent win at WrestleMania 41 places him as the undisputed record-breaker.
2. Ric Flair – 16 reigns
Once the gold standard for championship greatness, Flair now finds himself in second place.
3. Triple H – 14 reigns
The Cerebral Assassin reigned supreme during the early 2000s and is arguably the most award-laden champion of all time.
4. Randy Orton – 14 reigns
The Viper has been one of the top performers for close to two decades, renowned for his longevity and big-match experience.
5. Roman Reigns – 11 reigns
The Tribal Chief’s dominant period as Universal Champion propelled him to the top five and solidified his legacy.
WrestleMania 41 was more than another event it was a watershed moment. John Cena’s record-breaking title victory and full surrender to his heel persona provided WWE audiences with something they will be discussing for years to come. With the wrestling world now greatly changed, the future of WWE storytelling appears as unpredictable and thrilling as ever.
