John Cena Returns To Wrestling On WWE SmackDown, Says He Flushed His Reputation Down The Toilet To Make Shocking TV
The real John Cena has stood up.
John Cena and Cody Rhodes opened the August 1st episode of WWE SmackDown, with Cena saying that he was exhausted and that a match at SummerSlam would be too difficult. “You didn’t listen, you assaulted me, and you forged my signature,” Cena said he was forced into a dangerous match on a grand stage for the biggest title.
Cena said, “Thank you. That was just the boot in the ass I need.” He said for 25 years he has forged a reputation on honesty and respect. “Five months ago, I flushed it down the toilet to go along with a crazy idea to make shocking TV. We did. We made shocked the world and made great TV, but then the dust settled.” He said he was left alone and trying to pretend he was something that he’s not.
Cena said he wanted to leave with the Undisputed WWE Title, not to ruin wrestling, “I love wrestling,” but so he wouldn’t be forgotten about.
Cena said that Rhodes tried to tell him, and that he didn’t listen, but that Rhodes did what a good friend would do, force him into a fight. Cena said he was going to dig deep and fight.
“Mark your calendar. August 1, 2025, the day that John Cena came back to the WWE.”
Cena said he doesn’t know who will leave with the title on Sunday, but that the fans win. “I’m finally over my own BS and we get to see Cody Rhodes face off with the greatest of all time.”
“If you want some, come get some. On Sunday, the only platinum rapper who is going to show up to whoop your ass is me. The champ is here!”
Rhodes welcomed Cena back, and the two shared a Real American Beer.
WE ARE SO BACK!!!
Thank YOU, @JohnCena! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HDBrf4LrrZ
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2025
"Welcome back, @JohnCena."
That's how you welcome back THE GOAT! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/02PF1NLj8O
— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2025
Cena will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes in a street fight at WWE SummerSlam.
Fans can find Fightful’s coverage of WWE SmackDown here.
