At WWE Smackdown in Cleveland, Ohio, John Cena, the undisputed WWE champion, was absent. However, his upcoming SummerSlam opponent, Cody Rhodes, addressed the crowd ahead of their anticipated street fight. Rhodes took a moment to honor the late Hulk Hogan, who passed away at 71, recognizing Hogan’s monumental impact on wrestling and entertainment and calling him the “original WWE superstar.”
Following the tribute, Rhodes shifted focus to Cena, emphasizing that their street fight would be just the beginning, leading up to their showdown at SummerSlam. Rhodes admitted he never wanted to face Cena in the first place but now seeks the “real” Cena, not for nostalgia or publicity. He challenged Cena to show up at SummerSlam with the same passion, loyalty, and respect as in his early days, promising a fierce contest. Rhodes also mentioned their face-to-face meeting planned for the next week as SummerSlam weekend approaches.
Fan Take: This moment is significant for WWE fans as it blends respect for wrestling legends with the anticipation of a high-stakes showdown between two top stars. Cody Rhodes’ call for the “real” John Cena adds a layer of intensity and authenticity that could elevate the quality and storytelling of their SummerSlam match, making it a must-watch event in WWE history.
