Could John Cena’s 17th WWE Title End Flair’s GOAT Status?

While John Cena has always been an iconic member of WWE, his recent heel turn and covering WrestleMania 41 match up against Cody Rhodes could change wrestling history. If Cena becomes a 17 time World Champion, he will break Ric Flair’s world title record and perhaps put an end to the debate on who is the greatest of all time (GOAT).

John Cena’s plan? To ruin wrestling for everyone, win the 17th title, make everyone forget Ric Flair and make everyone say the name John Cena. Then retire with the Championship so a new toy belt can be created as he takes the real one home.#WWERAW

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— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) March 24, 2025

The record of 16 time World Champion set by Ric Flair has been the gold standard in WWE for over 30 years. Although many legends have come close over the years, only one ‘John Cena has managed to officially tie Flair’s record by doing so in 2017. After nearly a decade of missed opportunities, WrestleMania 41 would be an ideal occasion for Cena to claim his unequivocal superiority over Ric Flair.

It is noteworthy that Ric Flair has stated that Cena is the only true individual to break the record. Even with Flair’s current displeasure regarding Cena’s heel tendencies and persona. John Cena defeating Cody Rhodes, it won’t simply be another championship win as it may be noted as the ending of a very important era and it will officially indeed go down in history as Cena being the greatest champion WWE has ever known. WrestleMania 41 stands to be possible the night the torch is officially passed on to John Cena and he becomes the “GOAT.”