WrestleMania 41 Draws Mixed Reactions Over Cena, Rhodes Match

The WrestleMania 41 main event, where John Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to become a 17-time World Champion, received mixed reactions from wrestling veterans and fans. Matt Hardy praised Cena's performance but criticized the match's finish for making Rhodes look weak, arguing it undermined his status as a strong champion. Eric Bischoff found the bout lacking in emotional impact and storytelling, suggesting both Cena and Rhodes would recognize missed opportunities upon reviewing their performance. In contrast, JBL defended the controversial finish, stating that eliciting a strong negative reaction from fans is central to wrestling's episodic nature, and that not every match should provide a feel-good moment. The overall consensus among experienced commentators is that while the match was significant, it fell short in emotional resonance and character protection for Rhodes, though some believe the outcome serves a larger narrative purpose.