“John Cena Under Fire: Did He Just Disrespect Cody Rhodes as WWE Champion?”

John Cena’s ongoing “Last Real Champion” gimmick has sparked major backlash—and it’s Cody Rhodes’ credibility that some believe is taking the hit.

The 17-time world champion first used the nickname during his heel run after capturing the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. Even though Cena turned babyface and dropped the title back to Rhodes at SummerSlam, he continues to be introduced as “The Last Real Champion” during his Farewell Tour.

Lance Storm Rips Into Cena’s Gimmick

Former WWE star Lance Storm didn’t hold back, blasting Cena for sticking with a heel-era nickname that no longer makes sense.

“I didn’t like it. I find the ‘Last Real Champion’ absurd,” Storm said via Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “It worked when he was a heel trying to ruin the business and destroy the lineage. But now? As a babyface, still calling himself the ‘Last Real Champion’? That’s insane. What does that say about Cody? Is he not a real champion?”

The Canadian veteran’s words highlight what many fans are wondering: if Cena is still “the last real champion,” then where does that leave Rhodes, who’s become the face of WWE under TKO?

Cena vs. Rhodes: A Subtle Undercut?

Cody Rhodes has been the centerpiece of WWE since finally “finishing the story” by defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. He’s already in his second run with the WWE Championship and remains the top babyface in the company.

But Cena hasn’t shied away from comparisons. During an interview with Pat McAfee, he ranked Roman Reigns as the “greatest of all time” while suggesting Rhodes still has work to do before reaching that level.

“Will Cody Rhodes be the greatest of all time? He’s put himself in a good position,” Cena said. “But for now, Roman Reigns holds that slot.”

Passing the Torch or Overshadowing It?

At SummerSlam, Cena and Rhodes delivered a classic match that felt like a passing-of-the-torch moment. Still, Cena’s insistence on using both “The Last Real Champion” and “The Greatest of All Time” nicknames has blurred the lines between honoring his legacy and overshadowing the current champ.

Now, with Rhodes set to defend his title against Drew McIntyre at WrestlePalooza, and Cena preparing for one of his last matches against Brock Lesnar, the tension between past greatness and present dominance has never been clearer.

The big question remains: is John Cena helping elevate Cody Rhodes—or unintentionally making him look “less important”?