WWE SummerSlam 2025 Predictions: Is John Cena losing the WWE Undisputed Title against Cody Rhodes?

For the first time, WWE SummerSlam is expanding into a two-night spectacle, making history this weekend at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. As the company’s second-biggest premium live event of the year, the two-night showdown is set to go down on August 2 and August 3. A total of 12 matches are currently confirmed for the weekend, with nearly every main-roster championship up for grabs. However, the most anticipated and unpredictable clash is the Undisputed WWE Championship rematch between John Cena and Cody Rhodes, set to headline Night 2.The WrestleMania 41 clash between Cena and Rhodes didn’t quite live up to expectations. With just Travis Scott interfering on behalf of ‘The Cenation Leader,’ the match fell flat, leaving many fans disappointed. Now, WWE seems determined to course-correct and deliver a more authentic version of Cena as his retirement tour continues.Signs of a baby face return have been in motion for weeks. At Backlash, Cena was visibly emotional as fans chanted his name during his face-off with Randy Orton, hinting at a potential shift in character. His recent SmackDown segment with Rhodes only added fuel to the speculation, as he appeared to suggest that the WWE Universe will finally see the “real” him at SummerSlam. All signs point toward him embracing the heroic role he's played for over two decades.Interestingly, this could also pave the way for a major double turn. While fans initially expected Rhodes to go full-on ‘Codelander’ on the road to WrestleMania, he may now follow through. Subtle changes in his demeanor, like more aggression, ruthless tactics, and cryptic social media posts, have hinted at a darker edge. He even teased fans by wearing sunglasses similar to The Rock’s and hinted that his "offer" to the champion is still on the table.If WWE pulls the trigger, this could lead to one of the most iconic double turns in modern wrestling, possibly on the same level as the legendary Stone Cold Steve Austin–Bret Hart switch at WrestleMania 13. Yes, and it’s clear that John Cena’s heel turn didn’t land as intended. It was a bold, creative swing, but the execution never quite clicked. The storyline lacked consistency, and once both The Rock and Scott disappeared from TV, the momentum fizzled out. Cena was left without direction, and the heel persona never gained the emotional depth it needed to truly resonate with fans. At this point, a return to what made Cena successful for so many years feels necessary. That said, it wouldn’t be fair to label this entire heel run a failure. It gave fans several standout moments, especially his clashes with CM Punk and Orton, which avoided simply recycling old rivalries. The added challenge of Cena’s looming retirement deadline at the end of the year also placed added pressure on this storyline to deliver.Also read: WWE Summer Slam 2025 US, UK, Saudi Arabia, India Timings, Full Match Card, Streaming Options, and MoreHowever, with the reported fallout between the company and Scott, WWE may be looking to course-correct. Bringing Cena back to his babyface roots and dropping the title to Rhodes could be the most fitting way to let him say goodbye, as the beloved hero fans have known for decades. Official Prediction: Cody Rhodes to beat John Cena for the WWE Undisputed Championship