Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
The old saying goes that nice guys finish last — and nowhere is that more true than in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The best in the business are often those who find a way to win, whether it’s by hook or, if necessary, by crook.
Sure, these victories might not earn a wrestler plaudits for sportsmanship, and they certainly won’t see them nominated for Sports Personality of the Year. In fact, and somewhat tellingly, no professional wrestler from the United Kingdom has ever been nominated for the BBC's prestigious annual award.
A glance at the latest UK betting markets for the 2025 award confirms this trend hasn't changed.
To that end, it's unsurprising to see that Rory McIlroy leads the way at odds of 4/7 and is predicted to win in the latest sports betting tips after completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters. Admittedly, a fitting favourite given the magnitude of his achievement.
But the wider point remains: the underhanded in-ring antics of wrestlers, however entertaining or iconic, don’t typically curry favour with voters who lean towards more traditional definitions of sporting excellence.
The catch is that without indulging in the dark arts from time to time, wrestlers are unlikely to reach the very top.
Just ask John Cena, who did exactly that at WrestleMania 41 when he defeated Cody Rhodes to win the WWE Championship for a record-breaking 17th time.
???? JOHN CENA DEFEATS CODY RHODES
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 21, 2025
WWE RECORD 17-TIME CHAMPION ???????? pic.twitter.com/JHYUQZmb2w
However, Rhodes looked destined to retain his title after hitting his signature 'Cross Rhodes', but a crucial three-count never came as the referee was down in the corner, nursing an earlier collision.
With the match slipping away and no one to stop him, Cena tapped into his villainous side. First, he ripped off a turnbuckle pad and drove Rhodes’ head into the exposed steel. Later in the match, Cena then landed a knockout blow with the WWE Championship belt.
As we now know, Cena made the cover, and history was made as ‘The Doctor of Thuganomics’ broke Ric Flair’s long-standing record of 16 WWE Championships.
You might say it was one heel passing the baton to the next.
Congrats To My Great Friend @JohnCena On Becoming A 17x Champion! It Was Only A Matter Of Time! You And @CodyRhodes Put On An Instant Classic! Much Respect! WOOOOO! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/qwvowzTrhk
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 21, 2025
The ‘Nature Boy’ was perhaps the most infamous villain of his era, and Cena channeled that same ruthless streak at WrestleMania 41. At one point, he even mimicked Flair’s trademark act of begging for mercy, which Rhodes granted, before delivering a low blow to swing the momentum back in his favour.
Copycat or not, the truth is this: both Flair and Cena rose through the ranks and eclipsed their contemporaries because they chose to win at all costs.
Does that make them true WWE greats? That’s up to the fans to decide. Some will argue greatness is defined by honour, others by hunger — even if that hunger leads them to bend or break the rules.
What’s indisputable is that Flair and Cena were physical specimens who belonged among the elite. And equally, that they pushed boundaries, bent conventions, and disregarded the unwritten codes of conduct to get there.
Whatever the verdict, the history books will record only the names of the WWE Champions — not the shortcuts they took to get there.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
