In a historic and dramatic moment at WrestleMania 41, John Cena etched his name into WWE history by becoming a 17-time World Champion, breaking the legendary Ric Flair’s long-standing record. The victory came in a controversial match against Cody Rhodes and left fans with mixed emotions, as Cena also completed a long-teased heel turn that may forever redefine his legacy.
Ric Flair Responds with Grace and Respect
While social media erupted with reactions, all eyes turned to one voice—Ric Flair. The wrestling icon, whose record Cena broke, responded with grace and admiration. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Flair congratulated Cena with a heartfelt message and a nostalgic throwback photo of the two legends. His post garnered over 550,000 views within 45 minutes, a testament to the magnitude of the moment.
“Much respect,” Flair simply wrote, offering his blessing to the man who dethroned his record.
A Controversial Win at WrestleMania 41
Cena’s path to the 17th title was far from clean. In a shocking twist during the match, rapper Travis Scott made a surprise appearance, interfering just long enough to distract Cody Rhodes and allow Cena to capitalize for the win. The result sparked a polarizing reaction from the crowd—celebration for the milestone, but disapproval of the tactics.
Adding to the drama, Cena’s demeanor took a dark turn. At the post-WrestleMania press conference, when asked about surpassing Flair
The Heel Turn No One Saw Coming
Cena, once the ultimate face of WWE and a role model to millions, has spent recent months teasing a change in attitude. After losing the Royal Rumble to Jey Uso, he clawed his way back into title contention by winning the Elimination Chamber. His promos since then hinted at bitterness and finality.
Sunday night confirmed it—John Cena has turned heel.
This isn’t just a character shift; it’s a complete reinvention. With retirement rumors swirling, Cena’s last chapter in WWE appears to be one of destruction rather than legacy preservation. Even Ric Flair called the twist “the coolest thing they could have done.”
As the dust settles, WWE fans are left to reflect on a moment that will be debated for years: John Cena is the most decorated champion in WWE history, and now, possibly its most complex villain.
Sources By Agencies
