John Cena walks out of SmackDown after getting confronted by 42-year-old ex-US Champion; Another huge return occurs after 34 days

John Cena walked out of SmackDown (and paid the price) after getting confronted by a 42-year-old former US Champion, Cody Rhodes, as well as one of his legendary rivals.

This week on SmackDown, John Cena declared that the Mount Rushmore of wrestling was comprised of himself and only himself. He praised himself for being a mastermind who wins matches before they even start. An example he used was earlier this year when he knew that he had an opportunity to capitalize in the Elimination Chamber because of CM Punk and Seth Rollins' rivalry, and he knew he could capitalize on Cody Rhodes' vulnerabilities with The Rock, and he also knew he could get the job done at WrestleMania 41.

He was first confronted by Cody Rhodes, who pinned him in the main event of Money in the Bank 2025. He was then confronted by the returning Randy Orton, whom he beat 34 days ago at Backlash 2025. But it was former US Champion LA Knight's appearance that tipped him over the edge and made him walk away.

LA Knight and John Cena crossed paths briefly in the second half of 2023 when Cena used his string of appearances to help elevate The Megastar. The former United States Champion didn't have kind words to say to the WWE Champion before making him walk off.

Randy Orton, meanwhile, said that he was willing to do whatever it took to secure World Championship #17.

After this, a familiar foe, Ron Killings, attacked Cena from behind.