John Cena Shockingly Announces He Will Miss WrestleMania 41 Title Match Against Cody Rhodes Due to Rare Skin Disease, Met with a Remarkably Fairplay Response from Cody Rhodes 
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, John Cena, the 16-time world champion and one of WWE’s most iconic figures, has announced that he will be unable to compete in his highly anticipated Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. The revelation came during a heartfelt press conference earlier today, April 1, 2025, where Cena disclosed that he has been diagnosed with a rare skin disease that will force him to step away from the ring. Adding to the emotional weight of the moment, Cody Rhodes, the reigning champion known as “The American Nightmare,” responded with an extraordinary display of sportsmanship that has left fans and analysts alike in awe.
Cena’s announcement marks a dramatic shift in what was poised to be one of the most significant matches in WrestleMania history. The 47-year-old superstar, who turned heel earlier this year in a shocking betrayal of Rhodes at Elimination Chamber 2025, was set to challenge for a record-breaking 17th world title at the event scheduled for April 19-20 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The storyline had captivated audiences, with Cena aligning himself with The Rock and embracing a darker persona, a stark departure from his decades-long role as WWE’s ultimate hero. However, the physical toll of his condition has now derailed those plans, leaving fans grappling with the sudden change. 
During the press conference, Cena spoke candidly about his health struggles, revealing that the rare skin disease, which he did not name specifically, had progressed to a point where medical professionals advised against any physical activity, including wrestling. “I’ve been dealing with this for a while, thinking I could push through it,” Cena said, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “But the reality is, my body’s telling me it’s time to stop. I’ve given everything to this business, and I wanted to go out on that grand stage one last time, but I can’t risk my health—or my life—anymore.” He went on to express gratitude to his fans, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his career, and apologized for not being able to deliver the match they had all been waiting for.
The news comes on the heels of Cena’s recent openness about his past battles with skin cancer, which he discussed in an interview with People magazine as part of a Neutrogena campaign. While it’s unclear if this rare condition is related to his previous diagnoses, the timing has sparked speculation among fans about the severity of his situation. Cena, who had already declared 2025 as his final year in the ring, now faces the possibility that his storied career may have ended sooner than anticipated, leaving a void in the WrestleMania 41 card and the hearts of millions. 
What followed Cena’s announcement, however, was perhaps even more remarkable. Cody Rhodes, who has been the Undisputed WWE Champion since defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, took to the stage shortly after Cena stepped down. Rather than reveling in the absence of his rival or seizing the moment to assert his dominance, Rhodes delivered a response that epitomized grace and respect. “John, I’ve said a lot about you these past few months—some of it harsh, some of it personal—but none of that changes the fact that you’re one of the greatest to ever do this,” Rhodes began. “This match was supposed to be about legacy, about proving something to the world. But your health comes first, and I’d never want to see you step in that ring if it means you’re not at 100 percent.”
Rhodes went further, offering to vacate the title match slot at WrestleMania 41 and proposing that WWE find a worthy replacement to honor Cena’s legacy. “I’ll defend this title against whoever steps up, and I’ll do it in a way that makes you proud,” he said, addressing Cena directly. “You’ve given us all so much—let us give something back to you now.” The crowd erupted in applause, and social media quickly lit up with praise for Rhodes’ “fairplay” attitude, with many calling it a defining moment in his reign as champion.
The wrestling community now waits to see how WWE will adjust its plans for WrestleMania 41. Speculation is rife about potential replacements, with names like CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and even The Rock being floated as possibilities. For Cena, this unexpected exit may mark the end of an era, but his legacy remains untarnished. As for Rhodes, his classy response has only solidified his status as a true leader in the industry, proving that even in the cutthroat world of professional wrestling, honor and respect can still shine through.
