On April 20, 2025, Rhodes' first reign with the Undisputed WWE Championship ended. He held it for 378 days after beating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 for it. The loss was thanks in large part to rapper Travis Scott, who interfered in the match. He helped Cena win by distracting Rhodes. It furthered the growing feud between Rhodes and Scott.

It was a different John Cena from start to finish at WrestleMania 41. Cena played in the mud and it worked. He beat Cody Rhodes to win WWE title No. 17.