John Cena vs Randy Orton: Cena retains WWE Championship against Randy Orton in Backlash 2025 main event
In a high-stakes clash that reignited one of WWE’s greatest rivalries, John Cena defeated Randy Orton to retain the Undisputed WWE Title in the main event of Backlash 2025.
In a match filled with intense exchanges and a flurry of finishing moves, John Cena emerged victorious over Randy Orton to retain his Undisputed WWE Championship on Saturday, May 10. The bout marked a dramatic return to the ring for both superstars as rivals, nearly eight years after their last high-profile confrontation.
Staged in Orton’s hometown, the contest carried historic weight as it revisited one of WWE’s most iconic feuds—but this time with the undisputed title on the line. Fans around the world tuned in to witness what became a classic encounter between two legends of the squared circle.
A historic rivalry rekindled
Backlash 2025 served as the battleground for this monumental showdown, and the energy never faltered. Although Orton had the home-field advantage, crowd support was split, with both competitors receiving thunderous reactions. Cena, who won the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41, entered the match determined to continue his historic 17th reign.
The match featured no shortage of drama. One of the most memorable moments came when Orton countered an Attitude Adjustment (AA) mid-air into a devastating RKO—a reminder of his trademark ability to strike “out of nowhere.” With both men exhausted, chaos escalated when the referee was accidentally taken out, ushering in a no-holds-barred phase involving tables and extreme offense. Orton even delivered two AA moves of his own to Cena, intensifying the rivalry further.
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Cena's tactics secure the victory
In the final minutes, after a second referee was also incapacitated, the match descended into pure mayhem. Taking advantage of the situation, Cena delivered a low blow followed by a vicious shot with the championship belt, enabling him to secure the three-count over a stunned Orton. The ending mirrored Cena’s controversial win over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, suggesting a new, more ruthless edge to his character.
With the win, John Cena retained the Undisputed WWE Championship and etched another chapter in his storied feud with Randy Orton—a rivalry that continues to define a generation of professional wrestling.
