WWE superstar John Cena lashed out at journalists after his 17th championship victory at WrestleMania 41, calling their questions “clickbait” while declaring himself the “last real champion.”
At a Glance
- John Cena defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 to win his record-breaking 17th WWE championship
- Cena refused to answer media questions during the post-event press conference, dismissing them as “clickbait”
- After removing Rhodes’ nameplates from the title belt, Cena proclaimed himself the “last real champion”
- Cena’s victory and subsequent behavior overshadowed other major WrestleMania storylines
- The new champion promised to “ruin wrestling” and directed fans to watch “Monday Night Raw” for further developments
Historic Championship Victory
John Cena made WWE history at WrestleMania 41 by capturing his unprecedented 17th world championship, surpassing Ric Flair’s long-standing record. The victory came after Cena defeated Cody Rhodes in controversial fashion, striking his opponent with the championship belt before securing the pinfall. The win establishes Cena as arguably the most decorated champion in professional wrestling history, cementing his legacy in an industry he has dominated for nearly two decades.
Following his victory, Cena celebrated with rapper Travis Scott at ringside, soaking in the magnitude of his achievement. In a display of dominance that shocked many longtime wrestling fans, Cena promptly removed Rhodes’ nameplates from the championship belt, symbolically erasing his predecessor’s reign. This decisive action set the tone for what would become an even more controversial post-match press conference.
Media Showdown
The tension between Cena and the wrestling media reached a boiling point during the post-WrestleMania press conference. When reporters attempted to question the new champion about his victory and future plans, Cena repeatedly dismissed their inquiries. His demeanor marked a significant departure from his typically media-friendly persona that has helped make him a crossover star in Hollywood and wrestling circles alike.
While Cena expressed a superficial desire to build a better relationship with the press, his actions suggested otherwise. He repeatedly criticized journalists’ questions as attempts to generate controversy rather than meaningful content. This confrontational approach left many wondering if this represents a new character direction for Cena or genuine frustration with media coverage of professional wrestling.
Championship Claims and Future Plans
In perhaps the most provocative moment of the press conference, Cena declared himself the “last real champion” while challenging media members to “step up their game.” This statement, delivered with Cena’s trademark intensity, appeared designed to establish his character as wrestling’s top villain moving forward. The veteran performer has traditionally portrayed heroic characters throughout most of his career, making this apparent heel turn all the more significant.
Cena’s promise to “ruin wrestling” suggests a dramatic character evolution that could reshape WWE programming in the coming months. His invitation for viewers to tune into “Monday Night Raw” indicates that WWE has plotted a significant storyline around Cena’s championship reign. With his Hollywood commitments reportedly allowing for more wrestling appearances than in recent years, fans can likely expect Cena to feature prominently in WWE programming.
Overshadowed Storylines
Lost amid Cena’s championship victory and media confrontation were several other major WrestleMania developments. Paul Heyman’s betrayal of both CM Punk and Roman Reigns to align with Seth Rollins created another significant storyline shift. However, Cena’s commanding presence and controversial statements effectively redirected attention toward his championship reign, demonstrating his continued ability to control wrestling narratives despite his part-time status in recent years.
As WWE enters its post-WrestleMania season, typically the beginning of a new annual storytelling cycle, Cena’s championship reign positions him at the center of the company’s creative direction. For a performer who has repeatedly stated his wrestling career is winding down, this record-setting championship victory and character evolution suggest John Cena may have more significant contributions to make to professional wrestling before his in-ring career concludes.
