WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 Results: Cody Rhodes Defeats John Cena in Street Fight

By Ali Hammad August 05, 2025 14:12

At WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2, held on August 3 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Cody Rhodes delivered a hard-fought, intense performance to defeat John Cena in a brutal Street Fight and reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship. This victory marked a significant moment in Rhodes’ career as he avenged his WrestleMania 41 loss to Cena and solidified his standing at the pinnacle of WWE’s roster .

From the outset, the rivalry between Rhodes and Cena was palpable, underscored by the physical and emotional intensity brought to the fight. The two former allies turned rivals began the match with a fierce exchange, quickly escalating to a violent brawl that spilled beyond the ring. Cena and Rhodes exchanged control early, throwing each other into various weapons like steel chairs and the ring steps. The match featured high-impact moves including Cena’s signature Five-Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustments, as well as Rhodes’ devastating Cody Cutters and Cross Rhodes finishers.

Cena, who had recently turned babyface after a heel run, earned loud cheers and respect from the crowd throughout the match, notably kicking out of several near-falls and refusing to stay down despite excruciating punishment. His resilience highlighted why Cena remains one of WWE’s enduring icons over a career spanning more than two decades. However, Rhodes’ relentless offense ultimately proved decisive. After an avalanche Cody Cutter through a table and a final Cross Rhodes sequence, Rhodes sealed the victory, clinching his second reign as Undisputed WWE Champion.

Post-match, the raw respect between the two competitors was on full display as Cena embraced Rhodes, acknowledging, “That was the best I have.” This moment of sportsmanship signaled a passing of the torch without villainy or bitterness, symbolizing the legacy and continuity of WWE’s main event scene. Fans were left buzzing with the emotional and physical enormity of the bout, which many dubbed a vast improvement over their disappointing WrestleMania clash earlier that year.

Adding to the drama of the night, a shocking twist occurred immediately after the match when Brock Lesnar made his first WWE appearance since SummerSlam 2023. Known as “The Beast,” Lesnar stunned fans by delivering a brutal F-5 to Cena as the arena erupted in disbelief. This unexpected return instantly set up new questions and storylines for the weeks ahead, positioning Lesnar as a looming threat in the WWE world order and possibly targeting Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare,” has cultivated a reputation for his resilience, technical prowess, and showmanship. This victory added to his decorated career, with his in-ring storytelling and combative spirit earning praise from WWE commentators and analysts. Rhodes reflected on his win, stating, “This is a validation of years of hard work and passion. I fought for this moment, and it’s just the beginning of what’s coming next.” His victory signals a new chapter in WWE’s championship landscape.

SummerSlam Night 2 also delivered other notable results including Naomi’s upset over Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch retaining the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, and a wild TLC match showcasing WWE’s tag team division, creating a stacked, memorable card.

In summary, Cody Rhodes’ victory over John Cena at SummerSlam 2025 was a defining moment filled with emotional storytelling, brutal action, and historic significance. The match not only marked Rhodes’ championship redemption but also ushered in a new era with Brock Lesnar’s surprise return, setting the stage for electrifying developments in WWE’s future.