Last updated on December 15th, 2025 at 07:52 am
Why “John Cena vs Cody Rhodes” Is a Dream Match
The WWE Universe loves dream matches, and John Cena vs Cody Rhodes stands near the top of the list. Cena represents the Ruthless Aggression and PG era — a time when he lifted WWE on his shoulders and carried the brand to global success. Cody Rhodes represents today’s era — a superstar who built his name outside WWE, returned as a megastar, and now leads the company with passion, storytelling, and charisma.
A match between these two isn’t just young vs old, new era vs old era.
It’s WWE’s past vs WWE’s present — and possibly its future.
But who is better?
Who is stronger?
And most importantly… who would win?
Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Career Achievements – Cena’s Legendary Resume vs Cody’s Comeback Story
John Cena: A Record-Setting Career
No WWE superstar has a resume like John Cena.
His achievements include:
- 16-time World Champion (tied with Ric Flair)
- 5-time United States Champion
- 4-time Tag Team Champion
- 2-time Royal Rumble Winner
- Money in the Bank Winner
- Headlined WrestleMania multiple times
- Hollywood career, TV host, philanthropist.
Cena was the face of WWE for nearly 15 years — something very few wrestlers ever achieve.
Cody Rhodes: A Comeback Like No Other
Cody Rhodes left WWE in 2016, reinvented himself, became a global star, helped launch AEW, and returned to WWE as the prodigal hero. His achievements:
- WWE Champion (Undisputed)
- 3-time Intercontinental Champion
- 3-time Tag Team Champion
- 2023 & 2024 Royal Rumble Winner
- WrestleMania Main Eventer
- One of the most popular superstars of this era.
Cody’s journey is built on storytelling and passion, making him one of the most inspirational figures in wrestling today.
Winner (Achievements): John Cena
Cena’s list is simply unmatched.
Strength & Athleticism – Who Is Physically Stronger?
John Cena’s Strength
Cena is considered one of the physically strongest WWE superstars ever.
He has:
- Lifted Big Show + Edge at the same time
- AA’d Mark Henry, Khali, Umaga, and Brock Lesnar
- Trained heavy powerlifting moves
Cena’s raw power is elite.
Cody Rhodes’ Strength
Cody is athletic, agile, and quick. He has excellent conditioning and great ring stamina. But in terms of pure brute force, he cannot match Cena’s powerlifting style strength.
Winner (Strength): John Cena
Cena’s strength level is legendary.
In-Ring Ability – Old School vs New School
John Cena’s In-Ring Style
Cena’s move set includes:
- Attitude Adjustment
- STF
- Five Knuckle Shuffle
- Shoulder blocks
- AA variations
While not the most technical wrestler, Cena is a big-match performer, delivering classics with:
- AJ Styles
- CM Punk
- Randy Orton
- Edge
- Brock Lesnar
- Shawn Michaels
He is known for storytelling, emotions, and crowd connection.
Cody Rhodes’ In-Ring Style
Cody is a polished storyteller who blends:
- Technical wrestling
- High flying
- Power moves
- Psychological selling
- The Cross Rhodes
- Cody Cutter
He is considered one of the best in-ring workers of this generation.
Winner (In-Ring Skill): Cody Rhodes
Cody has a deeper move-set and smoother technical ability.
Mic Skills – Who Talks Better?
Both Cena and Cody are incredible on the mic.
John Cena
- Known for roasting opponents
- Can hype any match
- Delivers emotional promos
- Crowd control is unmatched
Examples:
- “Pipe Bomb Response to Roman Reigns”
- AJ Styles rivalry promos
- The Rock promos
Cody Rhodes
- Emotional storyteller
- Soulful, heart-touching promos
- Strong babyface delivery
Examples:
- “Finish the Story”
- WrestleMania 39 & 40 build
- Return promo in 2022
Winner (Mic Skills): Draw
Both excel in different styles.
Popularity – Who Is More Popular in 2025?
John Cena’s Popularity
- Cena is a global icon like Rock and Hogan.
- Kids loved him.
- Adults respected him.
- His catchphrases became cultural symbols.
He’s still a mainstream figure today due to movies and media.
Cody Rhodes’ Popularity
Cody is the most beloved babyface in WWE today.
From “WHOA-OH” crowd chant to his emotional story, fans adore him.
Winner (Popularity): John Cena (Global), Cody (Current WWE)
If comparing 2025 popularity alone, Cody ranks higher.
If comparing worldwide fame, Cena wins easily.
Star Power – Who Is the Bigger Draw?
Cena is one of WWE’s biggest draws ever.
Cody is currently carrying WWE’s top storylines.
Winner (Star Power): John Cena
Cena’s aura is unmatched.
Who Would Win in a Match – John Cena vs Cody Rhodes?
Let’s break it down:
Why John Cena Might Win
- More strength
- Experience in big matches
- Ability to overcome adversity
- Veteran mentality
Why Cody Rhodes Might Win
- Younger, faster, more athletic
- Stronger momentum in 2025
- Has defeated major superstars recently
- Better technical skill
Most Likely Result
If WWE books it as:
- Passing the torch moment → Cody Rhodes wins
- Legend returns to prove dominance → John Cena wins
But realistically, in 2025:
👉 Cody Rhodes would likely win the match.
He is the face of today’s generation, and WWE loves building new stars.
Final Verdict – Who Is Better Overall?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Strength | John Cena |
| In-Ring Skill | Cody Rhodes |
| Mic Skills | Draw |
| Popularity | Cena (Global), Cody (2025) |
| Legacy | John Cena |
| Current Relevance | Cody Rhodes |
| Dream Match Odds | Cody Rhodes wins |
👉 Overall Winner (2025 context): Cody Rhodes
👉 Overall Greatest (All-Time): John Cena
Both are legends in their own ways.
FAQs – John Cena vs Cody Rhodes
Who is stronger – John Cena or Cody Rhodes?
John Cena is significantly stronger. His powerlifting background and iconic strength feats put him above Cody.
Who is more popular – John Cena or Cody Rhodes?
Globally, John Cena is more popular.
In 2025 WWE fanbase, Cody Rhodes is currently more beloved.
Who would win in a match: John Cena vs Cody Rhodes?
In today’s storyline and booking environment, Cody Rhodes would likely win.
Who has more championships?
John Cena with 16 World Titles, while Cody has 1 World Title (as of 2025).
Is Cody Rhodes the next John Cena?
Not exactly. Cody is building his own legacy, but his popularity and babyface status are similar to Cena’s peak.
Conclusion
The debate of John Cena vs Cody Rhodes is truly a battle of eras. Cena symbolizes WWE’s golden era of mainstream success, while Cody represents modern storytelling, athletic finesse, and emotional connection. Cena has the strength, legacy, and global fame. Cody has the heart, in-ring skill, and current momentum.
In a dream match, Cody would likely emerge victorious — but both remain icons in their respective eras.
Whether you support the Doctor of Thuganomics or the American Nightmare, one thing is certain:
👉 John Cena vs Cody Rhodes will remain one of the greatest fantasy matchups in WWE history.
Alex Jordan is the creator and lead author of Wrestleradar.com, where he covers wrestling news, match breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes insights with passion and detail. With a strong eye for storytelling and industry analysis, Alex delivers content that keeps wrestling fans informed, engaged, and entertained.
