WWE Backlash 2025 results, grades, recap, winners: John Cena survives Randy Orton in tremendous final match

If John Cena and Randy Orton never wrestle again, they can be proud of how they closed out their 20-year rivalry at WWE Backlash. Orton had a viper-like grip against Cena, but returns to his …
Did John Cena and Randy Orton renew their rivalry at WWE Backlash 2025?

John Cena and Randy Orton renewed their decades-long rivalry at WWE Backlash 2025. (Eric Johnson/WWE via Getty Images) Backlash 2025, WWE’s first premium live event since WrestleMania 41, took place on Saturday night in St. Louis.

Will John Cena & Randy Orton meet on ‘backlash’?

Backlash’s main event feels big. John Cena and Randy Orton are two of WWE’s biggest superstars of the last two decades. They’ve wrestled over 20 times across Hell in a Cell, “I Quit” and TLC matches. Tonight, they likely meet for the last time before Cena retires.

Did Randy Orton win WrestleMania 41 vs John Cena?

Randy Orton fed off the energy of the St. Louis crowd against John Cena but could not win the WWE title. Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Images WWE Backlash 2025 looked to deliver a quality follow-up to WrestleMania 41 from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

How did John Cena beat Randy Orton?

John Cena defeats Randy Orton in 27:49 to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cena locked in the STF and Orton fought it way to the ropes, before he could grab them, Cena yanked him back to the center of the ring. Orton kicked Cena away and then capitalized with the draping DDT. Orton lined Cena up for an RKO, which Cena countered into an AA.

Will WWE Backlash 2025 deliver a good follow-up to WrestleMania 41?

WWE Backlash 2025 looked to deliver a quality follow-up to WrestleMania 41 from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. It was a night of highs and lows, particularly starting with the strongest action of the premium live event.

What happened between Cena & Orton?

Orton followed Cena and the two fought back to the ring, where Cena was able to gain the upper hand and trolled the crowd by only delivering seven blows to Orton’s head. Orton pleased the crowd with 20 punches to Cena. Orton went old school by targeting Cena’s extremities and scoring a near-fall.