Cena and Cody Trade Verbal Knockouts Ahead of WrestleMania 41 as SmackDown Delivers Explosive Finale

John Cena vows to end his career by retiring with the WWE Championship, while Cody Rhodes fires back in a fiery promo that turns the crowd. Rollins, Ripley, and others set the stage for WrestleMania 41 at a packed go-home SmackDown.

Las Vegas, April 19:
In a fiery go-home episode of Friday Night SmackDown at the T-Mobile Arena, WWE delivered high drama, emotional promos, and explosive confrontations just 48 hours before WrestleMania 41 takes over Allegiant Stadium.

Cena vs. Cody: Final Words Before the War

The night’s biggest moment came when John Cena confronted WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown at WrestleMania. Cena, in what he claims will be his final WrestleMania appearance, didn’t wait for the champ to speak. He stormed in and cut Cody off with a verbal tirade, claiming Rhodes isn’t prepared to face someone who “knows he’s going to die.”

Cena lashed out at the WWE Universe, calling most wrestlers “insecure losers” who need fan validation and accusing Rhodes of clinging to the audience instead of facing reality.

But Rhodes didn’t stay quiet.

Despite being initially booed by the crowd, he turned the momentum with sharp barbs about Cena’s relevance, physical decline, and past gimmicks. His final line, “It’s 2025 and you still can’t wrestle,” flipped the crowd on its head as they began chanting his name.

Cena responded by calling the fans “idiots” before attempting an Attitude Adjustment. Rhodes reversed it into a Cross Rhodes, leaving the ring standing tall — just like he did in their previous encounter.

Seth Rollins Calls Out Punk, Reigns in Passionate Promo

Seth Rollins opened the show with a throwback promo, CM Punk-style, seated cross-legged in the ring. Rollins blasted Punk and Roman Reigns for prioritizing money and ego over passion and fans.

“Tell me when I’m telling lies,” Rollins quipped, calling out Punk’s return for a “big, fat check.”

He declared that WrestleMania 41’s triple threat match isn’t just about titles — it’s about protecting the soul of WWE. The crowd responded with appreciation, singing his theme as he promised to sacrifice everything for the fans.

Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and Chaos in the Women’s Division

Rhea Ripley made it clear that this WrestleMania is her most personal yet, aiming to become a three-time women’s world champion. But before she could say more, Iyo Sky entered — followed by Bianca Belair, Naomi, and finally Jade Cargill, stirring drama and tension.

Naomi accused Belair of ghosting her, while Jade hinted at feeling betrayed. Just as tensions boiled over, Ripley stepped in — only to be attacked from behind by Naomi, sparking a massive multi-woman brawl. It looks like WWE is planting seeds for a Belair vs. Cargill feud post-WrestleMania.

Final Take

With WrestleMania 41 now just hours away, this episode of SmackDown hit all the right notes — emotional stakes, fierce promos, and just enough in-ring action to leave fans craving more. Cena vs. Rhodes may steal the headlines, but Rollins, Ripley, and the rest of the roster made sure the path to Vegas is paved with pure hype.

WrestleMania 41 weekend has officially begun.