Ric Flair has been watching everything that happens with WrestleMania 41.
On Saturday, he came to his daughter Charlotte Flair’s aid after she lost her match against Tiffany Stratton. On Sunday, Flair had a special interest in the main event as John Cena broke his record for most world championships in pro wrestling history.
Flair seemingly put any concepts of bad blood to bed with a congratulatory post on X spiced up with an image of him and Cena.
As soon as Cena pinned Cody Rhodes to end WrestleMania 41, fans didn’t just react to the moment—they started watching Flair’s account. And sure enough, the Nature Boy delivered to the more than 550,000 people who saw the post within 45 minutes of it being posted.
The post didn’t come with shade, a backhanded compliment, or some cryptic message. It was a photo and a statement of respect.
Cena hit 17. Flair acknowledged it. For hardcore wrestling fans, that moment bridged an entire era of wrestling history in one image. And to anyone who’s been following this story for years, that’s huge.
All wrestling fans felt it. But for hardcore Cena loyalists and Flair lifers, this might have even been emotional.
These are the fans who’ve been quoting “The champ is here” and “To be the man, you gotta beat the man” since childhood. They remember the interviews. They remember the shade–especially the brilliant ether Cena has spewed recently. And now, they’ve got the post on X to put a bow on things.
Flair’s response to Cena winning is refreshing considering the legend, who is seemingly mending fences with WWE after a fallout a few years back, because it proves he is putting the business before accomplishments, records and everything else.
Cena’s record-setting win has officially reframed the greatest-of-all-time conversation, and Flair’s graceful response gives it closure. For WWE, it also puts a renewed spotlight on what comes next.
Cena didn’t just win. He won with help from Travis Scott. He turned heel. He promised to ruin wrestling. So… now what?
Cena won a match that wasn’t packed with fast-paced action, but it told a strong story and WWE made the right call putting the title on the G.O.A.T.
WWE Raw will be must-see TV as we wait to see if Rhodes is still going to be booed. We will wait to see if Cena shows up and how he plans to ruin wrestling. On Sunday after the match, Cena would not give any clues.
Thanos won and now we get to see what happens after the greatest heel turn ever completed gets championship validation.
A friend of mine suggested Charlotte should inject herself into this feud as a way to begin a vendetta against Cena for breaking her dad’s record. How interesting could a nasty and determined alliance of Cody and Charlotte be considering they are both second-generation superstars whose dads were iconic rivals.
It’s just a thought, but I must say, it’s a good one. In case you missed it, here are all of the results from both days of WrestleMania 41.
WrestleMania 41 Night 1 Results
- Jey Uso vs. Gunther (c)
World Heavyweight Championship - The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. The War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) (c)
World Tag Team Championship - Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
- Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight (c)
United States Championship - El Grande Americano vs. Rey Fénix
- Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
WWE Women’s Championship - Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns
Triple Threat Match
WrestleMania 41 Night 2 Results
- Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair
WWE Women’s World Championship – Triple Threat Match - Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest
Sin City Street Fight - Bron Breakker (c) vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta vs. Finn Bálor
Intercontinental Championship – Fatal Four-Way Match - Randy Orton vs. Joe Hendry
Open Challenge Match - Logan Paul vs. AJ Styles
- John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes (c)
Undisputed WWE Championship – Main Event
