Wrestling fans are no strangers to rivalries, but when the lines blur between WWE and AEW, the excitement—and controversy—reaches fever pitch. The March 31, 2025, episode of WWE Raw delivered a blockbuster moment as John Cena and Cody Rhodes traded verbal haymakers, reigniting their WrestleMania 41 buildup with pointed references to AEW and its owner, Tony Khan. Enter MJF, the former AEW World Champion, whose blunt social media take on these cross-promotional jabs has sparked a firestorm of reactions. With Vince McMahon also name-dropped in the fray, this clash of wrestling titans is more than just a promo—it’s a cultural moment. Let’s dive into the chaos and what it means for the road to WrestleMania 41.
Event Recap: Cena vs. Rhodes Promo Showdown
The March 31, 2025, Raw episode from London’s O2 Arena set the wrestling world ablaze with a John Cena and Cody Rhodes promo that pulled no punches. Building toward their highly anticipated WrestleMania 41 clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship, the exchange was laced with personal digs and historical callbacks. Rhodes kicked things off, self-deprecatingly noting, “I was booed in a company I created,” a clear nod to his AEW tenure. Cena fired back with a savage line: “I make empires for billionaires. All you’ve ever done is steal money from their kids,” targeting Tony Khan, AEW’s owner and son of billionaire Shad Khan. Rhodes countered with a subtle jab at Vince McMahon, saying, “They [the fans] chose me. Can you say the same, John Cena? Or was it one guy in an office who chose you who is not here anymore and we don’t talk about him?” The crowd erupted, sensing the layers of history unpeeling in real-time.
Key Moments: Cross-Promotional Shots Take Center Stage
This wasn’t an isolated incident. The past week has seen WWE lean into AEW references with gusto. CM Punk revived his infamous “I work with children” quip, a dig at his AEW exit, while Shawn Spears mocked Ricky Starks’ departure (now Ricky Saints in WWE). Even Drew McIntyre took a literal crash through a car windshield, a sly nod to Jack Perry’s “real glass” line that fueled Punk’s AEW firing. AEW hasn’t shied away either—stars like Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, and MJF have peppered WWE references into their promos, delighting some fans while irking others who see it as petty tribalism. As reported by WrestlingInc.com, these jabs are becoming a trend, with WWE’s Netflix era amplifying their boldness.
MJF’s Take: “If You Want To Be Treated Like Children…”
MJF, never one to mince words, took to X to address the fan divide: “I truly don’t get why fans get up in arms when WWE mentions or references AEW. Or when AEW mentions or references WWE. If you want to be treated like children, watch Elmo. Or better yet. Tell VKM to start a new promotion.” His stance is clear—wrestling thrives on competition, and these nods are part of the game. MJF’s history of WWE jabs on AEW TV, like his 2022 pipebomb promo, adds weight to his perspective. He’s not just a bystander; he’s a provocateur who revels in blurring the lines. Fans on X echoed his sentiment, with one user noting, “It’s just good storytelling—let the companies play!” Yet others argue it distracts from in-ring action, a debate as old as wrestling itself.
What’s Next: Implications for WrestleMania 41 and Beyond
The Cena-Rhodes rivalry, now steeped in AEW and WWE lore, is poised to headline WrestleMania 41 on April 19-20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium. Cena’s quest for a record-breaking 17th world title in his farewell year adds stakes, while Rhodes’ journey from AEW co-founder to WWE’s top babyface fuels the narrative. Will these cross-references escalate as the event nears? WWE.com hints at more surprises, with Triple H praising Cena’s heel turn as “incredible” in a recent BBC interview. Meanwhile, AEW could counter with its own shots—perhaps at Dynamite or Collision—keeping the rivalry alive across promotions.
The John Cena and Cody Rhodes promo war, amplified by MJF’s unfiltered take, underscores wrestling’s evolving landscape. References to Tony Khan, Vince McMahon, and AEW aren’t just cheap shots—they’re storytelling tools that bridge past and present, igniting passion among fans. As WrestleMania 41 looms, this cross-promotional tension could redefine how WWE and AEW coexist. Will it lead to more collaboration or deeper rivalry? Only time will tell. Stay tuned to nodqnation.com for the latest updates on this unfolding saga!
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