WWE Backlash 2025: Cena and Orton's Epic Showdown in Orton's Hometown

WWE Backlash ushers in another exciting series of premium live events in 2025, featuring a much-anticipated showdown between two wrestling legends. John Cena and Randy Orton, rekindling their storied rivalry, will battle for the Undisputed WWE Championship in what is expected to be their final encounter. As if the stakes weren’t high enough, the match takes place in Orton’s hometown, promising an electrifying atmosphere.

In addition to this main event, the lineup includes four other thrilling matches, with Becky Lynch vying for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and Pat McAfee making his return to the ring.

Stay tuned to USA TODAY Sports for complete coverage, including results, highlights, and analysis from Backlash:

Undisputed WWE Championship Match: John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton

In this ultimate clash, Cena and Orton fully embraced the moment as they prepared for their last confrontation. Cena offered a handshake, only to catch Orton with a surprise slap, leading Orton to return the gesture and prompt Cena to leave the ring temporarily.

Orton initially gained the upper hand, dragging Cena back into the ring when the champion tried to exit. However, Cena’s resilience shone through as he countered with some signature moves, culminated by his famous five-knuckle shuffle. Yet, Orton soon regained control, landing a series of 20 consecutive strikes.

After enduring Orton’s onslaught, Cena regained momentum with his iconic moves and nearly closed the match with an Attitude Adjustment. Orton, however, countered just in time. Cena then locked Orton in the STF while Orton struggled to reach the ropes. Breaking free, Orton delivered his classic DDT, halting Cena’s attack.

“The Viper” went for an RKO, but Cena predicted the move. Cena executed an AA, yet Orton managed to incorporate an RKO at the same moment, leading to a spectacular double knockout.

As both competitors rose, Cena successfully hit another AA, but Orton kicked out. Dodging another finisher, Orton surprised Cena with an RKO. Moments later, he sought to revive his “Legend Killer” persona with a punt, but Cena evaded, meeting Orton with another AA. Even then, Orton kicked out, extending the match.

Mocking Orton’s killer instinct, Cena attempted a move of his own but was shoved into the referee. Taking advantage, Cena landed another AA but used the distraction to fetch the championship belt. As he did, Orton stunned him with an RKO. The referee just managed a languid count, allowing Cena to survive.

In a desperate attempt, Orton cleared the announcer’s table, but Cena pushed the referee into him, causing a collision with the steps. With officials out, Orton turned the tables with a counter AA onto Cena, crashing him through the table.

Orton, determined to finish Cena, set another table, executing Cena’s finisher to splinter it beneath them. Dragging Cena back to the ring, Orton unleashed an RKO. As a new referee arrived for the pin count, Cena ultimately kicked out.

Attempting a sly maneuver with the title, Cena accidentally struck the referee as Orton dodged. Orton capitalized with another RKO for the pin, yet the margin was thin with no official to count. WWE officials rushed in to aid the injured referees, and Orton, in frustration, delivered RKOs to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and several others.

As Orton prepared for a punt, R-Truth entered, saving his “childhood hero” from potential harm. Although he fell victim to an RKO, Cena seized the moment to low-blow Orton, subsequently securing a pin with the championship. The referee slowly crawled back to confirm Cena’s controversial win.

Post-victory, Cena addressed the audience, stating his need for competition over accolades or approval. Raising his title, the event drew to an intense close.

Analysis: Cena and Orton’s rivalry culminated in an exhilarating final match that had everything you’d hope for in a headliner. Following a lackluster outing at WrestleMania, Cena redeemed himself with a performance reminiscent of his prime, even if not a flawless classic. The event’s energy was palpable, culminating in a match that lived up to expectations.

Whenever these two met in the ring, explosive moments followed, and they didn’t disappoint here. The simultaneous AA-RKO sequence was a standout, showcasing the duo’s chemistry and history. Each wrestler borrowed from the other’s playbook, adding layers to their storied feud. Despite the chaotic conclusion, thankfully, unexpected celebrities didn’t interfere, maintaining the plot’s integrity. R-Truth’s appearance, although initially puzzling, added humor given his recent support for Cena, hinting at potential future involvement in Cena’s departure tour. In true fashion, Cena’s victory was shrouded in controversy, consistent with his recent tactics.

If this is indeed their final bout, Cena and Orton have left their rivalry on a high. A fresh challenger will now emerge to attempt to dethrone Cena, a development eagerly awaited in the upcoming week.