WWE predictions for 2025: What's next for John Cena, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins after SummerSlam?

The immediate aftermath of SummerSlam necessitates a detailed examination of the prospective paths for three of WWE’s most prominent figures: John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins. Their trajectories are not merely individual storylines but are integral to the broader narrative tapestry WWE is weaving, influencing championship pictures, faction dynamics, and the company’s overall star power as it transitions into a new operational era under TKO Group Holdings.

‘Super’ Cena Reimagines His Farewell Tour with Legendary Confrontations

Following SummerSlam, WWE appears to have definitively moved past any lingering notions of a "villainous" run for John Cena, instead pivoting towards a meticulously planned farewell tour that revisits key rivalries and cements his legacy. Cena’s immediate future is now inextricably linked with Brock Lesnar, whose unexpected and controversial return at SummerSlam saw him decisively defeat Cena. This encounter mirrored Lesnar’s impactful 2012 return, reigniting a rivalry that has spanned over a decade. Industry analysts suggest that if WWE opts to lean heavily into this established history and fan nostalgia, an Extreme Rules stipulation match between the two veterans is a highly probable next step, offering a conclusive chapter to their intense saga. Given Cena’s increasingly limited schedule due to his burgeoning Hollywood career, opportunities for extended programs are scarce, making this Lesnar feud a priority.

Cena, a 16-time (or 17-time, depending on official recognition of certain championship reigns) World Champion, has systematically addressed many items on his "farewell checklist" in recent years, engaging in memorable encounters with CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Cody Rhodes. However, several high-profile confrontations remain that would significantly enhance his final run. A match against Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, appears almost unavoidable, representing a clash between two eras of WWE dominance and a potential passing of the torch moment. Their previous encounters have been critically acclaimed, and a revisit would undoubtedly draw massive viewership. Furthermore, revisiting his acclaimed 2016 feud with AJ Styles would offer fans another treat, given the exceptional in-ring chemistry displayed in their prior series of matches.

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The most ambitious and blockbuster scenario, however, would be a trilogy bout with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Such a match would transcend professional wrestling, attracting global media attention and significant revenue, though its feasibility remains entirely dependent on Johnson’s demanding schedule and willingness to return to the squared circle for an extended program. Regardless of the specific opponents, the strategic planning for Cena’s appearances is critical. "Each match Cena participates in now carries immense weight," stated an anonymous WWE official. "He’s not just a performer; he’s a living legend whose presence elevates every show. His final run is about solidifying his place in history and elevating the next generation." After the conclusion of the Survivor Series period, it is widely anticipated that Cena will be positioned for a definitive "passing of the torch" moment, potentially at WrestleMania 41, signaling the ultimate culmination of his active in-ring career.

Cody Rhodes’ Reign: Navigating a Muddled Path Towards Long-Term Dominance

Cody Rhodes’ current tenure as Undisputed WWE Champion, following his emotionally charged victory at SummerSlam, has been characterized by a "workhorse" mentality. His initial reign has been marked by a series of high-quality matches, demonstrating his proficiency in the ring, yet the narrative progression has been less distinct compared to his "finishing the story" arc. This emphasis on in-ring performance over intricate storytelling has led to a somewhat muddled trajectory for his championship reign, particularly as WWE seeks to establish clear, compelling challengers.

The primary challenge for Rhodes’ booking through Survivor Series lies in the preoccupation of many of WWE’s top-tier talents. John Cena is currently embroiled in his program with Brock Lesnar, while Seth Rollins, as the World Heavyweight Champion, is engaged in multiple rivalries stemming from his faction’s dominance on Monday Night Raw. This leaves a vacuum for readily available, compelling opponents for Rhodes on SmackDown.

One strong contender for a significant championship defense is Drew McIntyre, whose recent character shift and resurgence in performance have positioned him as a credible threat. A potential showdown at the forthcoming "Clash in Paris" event is highly probable, with speculation also suggesting potential involvement from Logan Paul, whose controversial presence and United States Championship reign could intertwine with the Undisputed Title picture, adding a layer of unpredictability. Paul’s history of high-profile matches and his ability to generate mainstream interest would undoubtedly amplify the event’s profile.

Another potential fresh challenger, should he overcome Damian Priest in their ongoing rivalry, is Aleister Black. Black’s unique character, striking in-ring style, and previous critically acclaimed performances position him as an opponent capable of producing a fantastic match with Rhodes, offering a new dynamic to the championship landscape. A third match between Rhodes and Cena appears unlikely in the immediate aftermath of SummerSlam and prior to Survivor Series, primarily due to Cena’s current narrative commitments. However, a significant "passing-of-the-torch" moment involving the two could still be a strategic play for WWE towards the end of the year or early 2025, possibly at a major event like the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania 41, given its potential emotional resonance and historical significance.

Rhodes’ long-term options for engaging storylines appear to hinge on either weaving him into pre-existing narratives, such as a potential clash with The Bloodline if Roman Reigns’ storyline allows, or strategically pulling currently busy top stars into his orbit. "Cody has proven he can deliver in the ring against anyone," commented a veteran wrestling journalist. "The challenge now is to craft a narrative around his title reign that is as compelling as his journey to win it. That requires strategic long-term planning, not just week-to-week booking." The success of Rhodes’ reign will be measured not only by the quality of his matches but by the strength of the stories he tells as champion.

Seth Rollins’ Faction Dominates, Forcing Unlikely Alliances Ahead of Survivor Series

Seth Rollins’ current standing as World Heavyweight Champion, leading a dominant faction on Monday Night Raw, has fundamentally reshaped the competitive landscape of the brand. His group, which solidified its control after controversially seizing the World Heavyweight Championship from CM Punk at SummerSlam, has systematically created a multitude of adversaries since WrestleMania. This aggressive strategy has established Rollins’ faction as the undeniable force on Monday nights, a dynamic expected to persist through the winter months and into 2025.

The strategic direction for Survivor Series appears to be moving away from the "WarGames" stipulation that has characterized recent iterations, suggesting a return to the traditional Survivor Series elimination matches. These contests typically feature teams of four or five, implying that Rollins and his allies will need to forge their own strategic alliances to maintain their supremacy. The very dominance of Rollins’ faction is anticipated to compel an uneasy alliance among some of WWE’s top stars, uniting them against a common threat.

Key figures currently feuding with Rollins’ faction, and thus potential members of an opposing alliance, include CM Punk, who will undoubtedly seek retribution for losing the World Heavyweight Championship; Roman Reigns, whose cross-brand presence could be leveraged for a marquee match; the ever-popular LA Knight, who continues to gain momentum; and Jey Uso, whose history with both Reigns and recent interactions with Rollins’ group position him as a prime candidate. Each of these individuals has a distinct motive to challenge Rollins’ authority, ranging from championship aspirations to personal vendettas.

Should WWE opt for a truly blockbuster, top-heavy main event for Survivor Series, the recently returned Brock Lesnar could be strategically integrated into the opposing team. His historical association with Paul Heyman and his "Beast Incarnate" persona would add an unparalleled level of star power and unpredictability. Furthermore, the inclusion of John Cena and/or Cody Rhodes on the opposing side would create a multi-generational dream team, providing an unprecedented level of star power for the event. "The potential for a main event featuring that caliber of talent is astronomical," noted an industry insider. "It’s the kind of match that draws lapsed fans back and creates genuine buzz beyond the core audience." Until such a monumental clash materializes, Rollins is expected to employ every strategic and tactical tool at his disposal, including faction interference and cunning in-ring maneuvers, to retain his World Heavyweight Championship and solidify his faction’s iron grip on Monday Night Raw.

The outcomes of SummerSlam have established a dynamic and unpredictable trajectory for WWE’s premier talents heading into 2025. The strategic positioning of John Cena for a legacy-defining farewell, the nuanced challenge of solidifying Cody Rhodes’ championship reign, and the evolving threat posed by Seth Rollins’ dominant faction are poised to deliver compelling storylines and high-stakes encounters that will shape the company’s narrative landscape for the foreseeable future.