Tag: WrestleMania 41

WrestleMania 41 may have ended with John Cena making history, but the absence of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson from the grand stage left many WWE fans scratching their heads.

The Rock was an integral part of the storyline leading up to the main event between Cody Rhodes and John Cena.

For weeks, he verbally targeted Cody, while Cena turned heel after winning the Elimination Chamber and aligned himself with The Rock and rapper Travis Scott to launch a brutal assault on Rhodes.

However, following the Elimination Chamber, The Rock suddenly disappeared from WWE television, leaving Cena and Cody to continue the feud on their own.

Many fans were expecting a dramatic return by The Final Boss during the WrestleMania 41 main event, but that moment never came. Now, The Rock has finally explained why.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, the Hollywood megastar and WWE legend addressed the elephant in the room.

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“They know, when I come to them and lay this out, ‘Here’s how I feel it should go. We can insert the Final Boss at the end of this finish, but then, where do we go?” The Rock said, referencing his in-ring persona.

Johnson revealed that the decision to stay out of WrestleMania 41 wasn’t easy, citing a mix of prior commitments and creative direction.

“There are other commitments that I have, and I want to be careful that we’re not overstepping,” he said. “I can get involved in the finish, but why get involved in the finish when the spotlight should just be on John, 17, heel champion?”

Ultimately, Johnson felt that his part in the story had reached its conclusion. “I think The Final Boss’ work is done,” he added.

WrestleMania 41 concluded with John Cena defeating Cody Rhodes in a shock finish, capturing his 17th world title and officially surpassing Ric Flair’s iconic record of 16 world championships.

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Legendary Ric Flair, a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee, congratulated John Cena after the veteran superstar made history by clinching a record-breaking 17th world title at WrestleMania 41.

The event, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, saw Cena defeat defending Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in the main event, surpassing Flair’s long-standing record of 16 world championship reigns.

Taking to the social media platform X, Ric Flair expressed admiration for Cena’s milestone achievement.

“Congrats to my great friend John Cena on becoming a 17x Champion! It was only a matter of time! You and Cody Rhodes put on an instant classic! Much respect! WOOOOO,” he posted.

Cena, who had previously announced that he would retire at the end of 2025, made his final WrestleMania appearance memorable by walking out as the most decorated world champion in WWE history.

Earlier this year, Cena won the Elimination Chamber to earn a title shot at WrestleMania 41. The build-up to the event took a dramatic turn when Cena turned heel, attacking Rhodes alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and rapper Travis Scott.

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For the first time in years, Cena entered WrestleMania with no colourful attire or elaborate lighting. Instead, the entrance featured a black screen with his name and signature theme song, symbolising a ruthless change in persona.

The match itself was filled with high drama and frequent momentum shifts. Rhodes initially countered Cena’s trademark Five Knuckle Shuffle with a Cody Cutter.

John Cena responded with multiple Attitude Adjustments (AAs), one of which followed a drop toehold that halted Rhodes’ attempt at a Bionic Elbow tribute.

Rhodes managed to survive several near-falls and even connected with his finishing move, Cross Rhodes. However, with the referee temporarily down, the pinfall could not be counted.

Cena capitalised on the chaos, exposing the turnbuckle and slamming Rhodes’ head into it before landing a fourth AA. Rhodes again kicked out, showcasing his resilience.

With the win, John Cena officially surpassed Ric Flair’s record to become the most decorated world champion in WWE history, securing his 17th title reign in what could be his final WrestleMania appearance.

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