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- John Cena turns babyface, Damian Priest injured, New champion crowned
John Cena turns babyface, Damian Priest injured, New champion crowned
Inside: WWE has no interest in using 2-time World Heavyweight Champion on TV
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John Cena shocked the wrestling world when he turned heel at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, back in March. However, in a massive move, The Cenation Leader explained why he can’t be a villain anymore.
Cena appeared on this week’s SmackDown, and thanked Cody Rhodes for putting him through a table and waking him up to his erroneous ways. He admitted that he chased the idea of someone else’s vision (presumably The Rock) to make shocking television, but once the dust settled, everyone went back to their lives. And the people he trusted left him alone.
The Cenation Leader further stated that he tried to be something he wasn’t. John Cena then denounced the idea of ruining wrestling because he loves it. Cena now wants to leave with the Undisputed WWE Championship upon his retirement as he doesn’t want people to forget him.
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 Things didn’t go according to Damian Priest’s plan on WWE SmackDown as medical personnel had to be called following the stoppage of his match. A star has sent him a message, moments after things spiralled out of control. Priest and Aleister Black faced each other on the blue brand this week, following heated moments recently. Sadly, there was no conclusion to the match as it had to be stopped when Black threw a chair into the face of Priest, causing a DQ. Black continued his beatdown on The Archer of Infamy, attacking him with the steel chair, saying that he was not done. He then smashed Priest against the steel steps repeatedly. Aleister Black finally connected with the Black Mass on Damian Priest, and said “I’m done” shortly after. |  WWE has officially crowned a new champion just a day before SummerSlam 2025. At the GCW Presents WWE ID Showcase, Cappuccino Jones made history by becoming the first-ever Men’s WWE ID Champion. He defeated Jack Cartwheel in the finals of the WWE ID Men’s Tournament to win the title. Jones hit Cartwheel with the Shot of Espresso and followed it up with The Decafinator. On the same show, Kylie Rae became the first-ever Women’s WWE ID Champion. She defeated Zayda Steel and Zara Zakher in a Triple Threat Match. The 32-year-old star submitted Steel to win the gold. Congratulations are in order for Cappuccino Jones, as well as Kylie Rae, for their historic championship victories. |
FROM THE RUMOR MILL
It seems like a two-time World Heavyweight Champion’s past continues to haunt him to this day. An interesting update on Alberto Del Rio’s potential WWE return has come to light.
The Essence of Excellence has been the talk of the wrestling town ever since his exit from AAA. While fans have been wondering whether a WWE return is on the cards for Del Rio, reports online have more or less suggested that the creative team stands firm in not bringing him back anytime soon.
However, some people within the company have been reportedly pushing for his comeback. In an update from Cultaholic, sources close to the situation learned that WWE has no interest in using Alberto Del Rio on TV ever again due to his previous “sins.”
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John Cena is set to put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Cody Rhodes at the SummerSlam premium live event. Rhodes won the 2025 King of the Ring tournament, defeating Randy Orton in the high-stakes final for a shot at The Franchise Player in New Jersey.
Cody Rhodes is determined to dethrone John Cena at the forthcoming spectacle. Having forced the self-proclaimed Last Real Champion to sign the contract for their match this weekend, he might eventually pull off a massive win and regain the gold. If this happens, in a massive twist, Rhodes could call out Roman Reigns during SmackDown after the PLE, and mock The OTC for his reluctance to regain the Undisputed WWE Title.
There might be a scenario where the 40-year-old compares himself to Reigns and claims to be a better champion since he had the courage to pursue the title again. This could potentially revive the feud between the two and possibly set up Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns III in the future as part of a blockbuster storyline.
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Did John Cena really turn babyface on WWE SmackDown? - Is The Cenation Leader planning something?
Damian Priest to take a break from WWE after brutal attack on SmackDown? - The Archer of Infamy may be gone for a while!
WWE subtly confirmed the future of The Rock after John Cena’s promo on SmackDown before SummerSlam 2025 - This is huge.
ANALYSIS CORNER
John Cena and Cody Rhodes had an interesting segment on the final episode of SmackDown before SummerSlam 2025. The rivals opened the show, but only Cena talked. He claimed he made a mistake by aligning with The Rock simply for a big TV moment.
The Undisputed WWE Champion essentially turned face and shared a beer with Rhodes before both left the ring. Was it a big setup? Talla Tonga made his in-ring debut, defeating Jimmy Uso. Jacob Fatu saved him from yet another beatdown.
Giulia successfully defended the Women’s US Title against Zelina Vega. Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown answered Los Garza’s open challenge for the AAA Tag Team Titles. While the action was good for most of the episode, WWE made 4 huge mistakes on the go-home edition of SmackDown before SummerSlam.
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