Cody Rhodes on Whether John Cena Gimmick Belittles His Status as WWE Champion

A heel John Cena, called himself the 'Last Real Champion' after he defeated Cody Rhodes to win the WWE Championship and become the most decorated world champion in company history. He embarked on his goal to "ruin wrestling" after beating Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 41.

They squared off again at SummerSlam, and Cena turned babyface two nights before on SmackDown, reverting to his heroic character that won the hearts of fans during his full-time run. But some elements of his heel run remained intact, including being introduced as the "Last Real Champion".

This has irked many, including former WWE star Lance Storm, who said it makes Rhodes feel "less important" and that it's "insane" to continue with the nickname. He continues to use the moniker for ring announcements despite no longer holding the title.

Rhodes doesn't have an issue with it and is just honoured to have been a part of the 48-year-old's Farewell Tour. He told TMZ: "Oh no! No. John, I’m so excited to be part of John’s final run. My gosh, the end is so special to see, and for a guy who has polarized for so long in his career, it’s all love. I think Indianapolis will be louder than France was in terms of the energy for John Cena."

He added, "He can call himself the Last Real Champ as long as I’m the actual champ."

John Cena looks to have held a world title for the last time in his career, which he will bring to an end in December. His 17th reign saw him hold the gold for 106 days until he dropped it back to Rhodes in one of his best matches in years.

Cody Rhodes on John Cena Remaining Babyface

One of the most shocking moments in WWE occurred at Elimination Chamber when John Cena did the unthinkable and turned heel. It was nearly inconceivable, given he was known as the biggest babyface that pro wrestling has perhaps ever seen.

Cody Rhodes was the victim of said turn, destroyed by Cena, The Rock and Travis Scott at what many presumed would be a new NWO faction of sorts. That never happened, though, as Rocky was too busy in Hollywood, and the less said about Scott, the better.

John Cena failed to come across naturally as a heel, and this was something Rhodes had previously hinted could be a problem. He said in an interview with Cheap Heat: "John’s [heel turn] never happened, and I think rightfully so. We look back now and realize the magic of what John was able to do."

Cena is thankfully finishing his career as a babyface and with the gimmick fans have come to love for decades. But fans, talent, the promotion and the 'Last Real Champion' will likely reflect on his short heel run in 2025 and ponder what could have been.