WWE Announces Final Showdown: John Cena vs. Randy Orton for Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash 2025

WWE has confirmed that John Cena and Randy Orton will clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash 2025 in what is being billed as their final encounter. The event, scheduled for May 10 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, marks the culmination of a storied rivalry spanning over two decades. This match carries added significance as it takes place in Orton’s hometown, a deliberate choice by Cena to heighten the psychological stakes.

Event Details and Championship Context

The Backlash 2025 match will feature Cena defending the Undisputed WWE Championship, which he won at WrestleMania 41 by defeating Cody Rhodes to secure his 17th world title. The feud reignited when Orton attacked Cena on the *Raw After WrestleMania*, leading to a challenge issued on *SmackDown* on April 25, 2025. Cena accepted, framing it as a “final showdown” to settle their rivalry once and for all. The match is set to headline a pay-per-view that already carries significant momentum from WrestleMania season.

Key Storyline Developments

The buildup to this match has seen a dramatic shift in character dynamics. Cena, traditionally a fan favorite, turned villain at Elimination Chamber 2025, aligning with The Rock and Travis Scott. Orton, meanwhile, has been positioned as the moral hero, vowing to “save wrestling” from Cena’s reign. The psychological warfare between the two has intensified, with Orton mocking Cena’s childless status and Cena retorting, “I’ve raised millions of fans for 25 years.” Cena has also threatened to retire with the title, a move that would freeze Orton’s record at 14 championship reigns.

Historical Rivalry and Match Records

Cena and Orton have faced each other 257 times in WWE history, with Cena holding a dominant 218–34 lead. Their 10 pay-per-view singles matches are evenly split at 5–5, including iconic bouts at TLC 2013 and SummerSlam 2007/2009. Their last singles match occurred at a house show in 2017, making this Backlash encounter a rare televised showdown after an eight-year hiatus. The rivalry’s longevity and intensity have cemented it as one of WWE’s most enduring feuds.

Speculations and Fan Engagement

Rumors suggest WWE may add a “Career vs. Title” stipulation, though this remains unconfirmed. Cena’s retirement plans have been widely reported as part of his “final year” in WWE, adding weight to the match’s outcome. Fan polls, such as a Sportskeeda survey, show 72% of respondents favoring Orton to win. Wrestling analyst Dave Meltzer predicts a 4.5-star rating, citing the feud’s storytelling potential. WWE has also promoted the match with curated video highlights of past encounters on their official website.

Conclusion

The Cena-Orton matchup at Backlash 2025 represents a pivotal moment in WWE history, closing the chapter on one of wrestling’s most iconic rivalries. With high stakes, personal animosity, and championship implications, the event is poised to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike. Whether this truly marks their final encounter remains to be seen, but the buildup ensures it will be a memorable showdown.