The 17-time World Champion John Cena made an appearance on the May 9 episode of SmackDown Live before his clash against Randy Orton at WWE Backlash 2025. However, things took an unexpected turn, which even Cena couldn’t comprehend, as WWE lied to him. Let’s take a look at what happened.
‘Your Childhood Dies Tomorrow’ – John Cena Addresses Ohio
As John Cena made his way to the ring, the crowd erupted with “John Cena sucks” chants to his entrance music. Cena began boldly, saying “Tomorrow, your childhood dies,” sending a message across the WWE Universe. Talking to the age group of 12 to 55, Cena said their childhood is over now, and told the children aged 3 to 12, to “grow up fast.”
"Tomorrow your childhood dies."@JohnCena has quite the message for the WWE Universe ahead of #WWEBacklash… 😳#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/vLSiD2eu8v
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2025
This was about his match against Randy Orton at Backlash in St. Louis. Cena told the crowd that “Randy Orton is not here in Ohio to save them.” “He took my advice and is with his family in St. Louis,” he added. But to Cena’s surprise, a masked man tried landing an RKO to Cena, which he evaded.
John Cena’s Personal Jabs at Randy Orton
While talking to the WWE Universe, Cena attacked Orton verbally. He said “Orton is the greatest of all time in wasting his potential,” while stating himself as the greatest of all time. Cena disrespected Orton’s family, as he considers himself a third generational player. Cena declared both his father and grandfather didn’t accomplish any great feat, and Orton is just like his “2006 drug test… a failure.”
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE VIPER! 🐍
Is this a preview of what's to come TOMORROW at #WWEBacklash?! 😱#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/NEXX2je0j0
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2025
A masked person appeared behind Cena, trying to land an RKO but Cena hit him with an AA. After this, Cena picked up his title and as he turned, was greeted by Orton himself, delivering an RKO and dropping Cena down.
The chaos between these two superstars just got escalated as they prepare for their face-off on Saturday. With Cena going personal on Orton, it might get explosive during their match and confirms one thing: it is personal between these two now.