Just two days before defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, John Cena made a powerful return to his classic persona during WWE SmackDown in Newark, New Jersey.
Once cast as the villain after aligning with The Rock and Travis Scott earlier this year, Cena surprised fans with a heartfelt speech. He admitted to straying from his values in pursuit of shock entertainment and a record-setting 17th title win. Now, Cena says he’s ready to leave the darkness behind and rediscover the version of himself that built a legendary wrestling career.
Addressing a roaring crowd at the Prudential Center, Cena thanked Rhodes for waking him up with a recent beating. “I chased false glory. We made shocking TV. But when it was over, I was left pretending to be someone I’m not,” he said.
Taking subtle jabs at his former allies, Cena announced his redemption arc starts now. “August 1, 2025, is the day John Cena came back to WWE,” he declared, promising fans the return of the hardworking, respectful fighter they once knew.
Despite the emotional turnaround, Cena reminded Rhodes and the fans that he’s still ready for battle. Holding up his championship, he vowed to give his all in the street fight with no rules. “If you want some, come get some. The only platinum rapper showing up to whip your ass is me,” he concluded, as Rhodes smiled at the impassioned speech.
At 48, Cena now faces one of the toughest matches of his career. Whether he keeps the title or not, fans can expect a showdown between two top-tier talents—and the revival of the Cena they’ve long admired.
