WWE SummerSlam 2025 delivered one of the most memorable moments in recent history, headlined by a fierce Undisputed WWE Championship street fight between John Cena and Cody Rhodes. However, behind the intense action, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi revealed that he wished the match had gone on longer, underscoring just how electric the bout felt from the perspective of WWE legends and fans alike.
A Night to Remember: SummerSlam 2025’s Climactic Battle
On August 3rd at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the WWE Universe was treated to a brutal and emotional contest for the Undisputed WWE Championship. John Cena, the 17-time world champion and one of WWE’s iconic figures, defended his title in a no-holds-barred street fight against Cody Rhodes, who sought his second reign as WWE’s top champion[2][3].
The match was an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster, filled with high-impact moves, near falls, and jaw-dropping spots—like Rhodes’ pile driver and Cena’s powerful Attitude Adjustment through a table[3]. The intensity kept the crowd roaring and the participants pushing their limits.
Ultimately, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious, dethroning Cena and capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship in a match many insiders are already calling a classic. Yet, Rikishi, watching this battle unfold, expressed regret that the match could not continue for longer.
Rikishi’s Perspective: “This Should Have Gone on Forever”
Rikishi, a WWE Hall of Famer known for his charisma and in-ring storytelling, is someone who has witnessed many great battles over his career. Recently, backstage sources close to Rikishi shared that during SummerSlam, he was visibly impressed by the chemistry and flow of the Cena vs. Rhodes match.
According to a WWE insider, Rikishi confided, “That match had such a great pace and emotion. You didn’t want it to end. It felt like it could have gone on forever, with both Cena and Rhodes telling a story that pulled everyone in. Moments like those are rare.”
Rikishi’s sentiment highlights a deeper appreciation among WWE veterans about when a match transcends entertainment to become a dramatic, almost timeless, chapter in wrestling history. The street fight’s blend of physicality, emotion, and storytelling elevated it beyond a mere contest—it became a memorable saga for the WWE Universe.
The Build-Up and Stakes of the Match
This clash was more than just a title defense. Cody Rhodes was pursuing validation and legacy, seeking to cement his place alongside WWE greats like Cena. Meanwhile, Cena aimed to prove that he still had what it takes to be the champion in 2025 despite years at the top[1][3].
The added element of the street fight stipulation allowed both competitors to unleash their full arsenal, utilizing weapons and the environment without restrictions. This contributed to the match’s unpredictability and sustained excitement. Fans witnessed a combination of high-risk maneuvers and classic powerhouse moves under grueling conditions.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that he and Cena had a mutual respect for each other, which translated into a match that emphasized storytelling as much as athleticism. The performers worked to create peaks and valleys throughout the bout that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Impact and Aftermath: What This Victory Means for Cody Rhodes
Rhodes’ victory signaled a pivotal moment in WWE’s 2025 narrative. Having dethroned a legend like Cena, Cody Rhodes solidified himself as the clear face of the company moving forward. WWE had scheduled a multi-night SummerSlam event that showcased various intense and story-driven matches, but the Undisputed Championship main event stood as the evening’s climax[1].
Despite the packed card, fans and insiders alike agree the Cena-Rhodes match stole the show, with many pondering future rivalries and storylines emerging from this encounter. According to WWE sources, Rhodes plans to embrace the heavyweight champion role fully, focusing on new challengers while honoring the legacy he just rose to match.
The Role of Rikishi’s Family Legacy at SummerSlam 2025
Adding more backstage depth to SummerSlam 2025 was the presence of Rikishi’s family members competing on the same event. His son Solo Sikoa battled Jacob Fatu in a steel cage match for the United States Championship, continuing a family feud storyline steeped in Bloodline faction dynamics[4].
This family lineage moment gave Rikishi even more reason to be emotionally invested in the event. Inside sources mention that Rikishi viewed SummerSlam 2025 as not just a night of great matches but also a family milestone, making his wish for the main event to last even longer all the more poignant.
Why Matches Like This Are Rare in WWE
Rikishi’s statement about the match’s length underlines a growing discussion among wrestling fans and insiders: the balance between match duration and storytelling quality. Matches that sustain high energy, tell a clear story, and keep audiences glued for extended periods are a rarity in today’s fast-paced wrestling environment.
A WWE insider noted, “With all the production demands and booking considerations, it’s tough to get a match to have that perfect flow that makes you forget about time. When it happens, it becomes something special—and that’s exactly what Cena vs. Rhodes was.”
Final Thoughts
WWE SummerSlam 2025 will be remembered as one of the company’s most thrilling events, largely thanks to the stellar work of John Cena and Cody Rhodes in the Undisputed WWE Championship street fight. Rikishi’s candid wish that this match “should have gone on forever” tells us that this was not just a great match for the fans but a moment of wrestling artistry appreciated by legends.
As Cody Rhodes embarks on his championship reign, WWE looks poised to benefit from the momentum generated by SummerSlam’s crowning moment. And Rikishi’s endorsement—in spirit, if not in minutes—cements the match’s place in WWE history.
This article was informed by reports from Wrestling Inc., Bleacher Report, ESPN, and insider WWE sources, with additional context from interviews and event coverage.