# Cody Rhodes Vows Revenge on John Cena at WWE SmackDown
Knoxville, Tennessee, was electrified on May 30, 2025, as WWE SmackDown delivered a dramatic confrontation between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, reigniting their storied rivalry. The Thompson-Boling Arena buzzed with anticipation as Rhodes, the former Undisputed WWE Champion, returned to the blue brand for the first time since his shocking loss to Cena at WrestleMania 41. The segment, which closed the show, set the stage for an explosive tag team match at Money in the Bank, with Rhodes promising to exact revenge on the 17-time world champion.
Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare,” made a bold statement upon entering the ring. Addressing the crowd, he reflected on his WrestleMania defeat, admitting he hesitated during their clash, a mistake he vowed never to repeat. “I will never hesitate with you again, John,” Rhodes declared, his words dripping with resolve, as reported by multiple sources covering the event. He referenced a lingering offer from The Rock, hinting at deeper layers to his ongoing narrative, but his focus remained squarely on Cena. The crowd roared as Rhodes introduced his tag team partner for Money in the Bank, World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso, whose entrance sparked a thunderous “YEET” chant from the 14,000-strong audience.
Cena, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, responded with characteristic bravado, dismissing Rhodes and Uso as “wannabes” who could never match his hustle, loyalty, and respect. He revealed his own partner for the upcoming pay-per-view: social media star and WWE provocateur Logan Paul. The announcement escalated tensions, leading to an all-out brawl. Rhodes and Uso gained the upper hand, executing a variation of the Dudley Death Drop on their rivals. In a symbolic gesture, Rhodes held up Cena’s WWE Championship belt as SmackDown went off the air, a clear message of his intent to reclaim the title.
This confrontation marks the latest chapter in a feud that has captivated the WWE Universe. Rhodes’ return at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he saved Uso from an attack by Cena and Paul, set the stage for this high-stakes tag team clash. Sources, including Times of India and Yahoo Sports, note that Rhodes’ actions signal a renewed determination to not only defeat Cena but also restore his legacy after WrestleMania’s setback. The chemistry between Rhodes and Uso, former tag team champions, contrasts sharply with the apparent discord between Cena and Paul, who struggled to align during the brawl.
As Money in the Bank approaches on June 7, 2025, in Los Angeles, the wrestling world is abuzz with speculation. Will Rhodes’ vow of revenge lead to a career-defining victory, or will Cena’s experience and cunning prevail? With Jey Uso and Logan Paul adding volatility to the mix, this tag team showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in WWE’s 2025 storyline. Fans are eagerly tuning in to see if Rhodes can deliver on his promise and reclaim his place at the top of the wrestling world.
