John Cena made WWE history in poetic fashion, becoming a 17-time WWE World Champion, a feat that broke Ric Flair’s longstanding record. This historic moment took place on Night 2 of WrestleMania at Allegiant Stadium, where Cena defeated Cody Rhodes. At 47 years old, after years of dominating Hollywood, Cena’s return to the ring and his monumental victory felt emotional and meaningful for fans everywhere—a truly legacy-defining moment.
As fans celebrated across social media, Major League Baseball (MLB) also decided to join in with a congratulatory post—but with an unexpected twist that left many scratching their heads. Instead of using a recent image or something directly connected to Cena’s wrestling career, MLB shared a photoshopped throwback image from 2009 when Cena threw the first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers game. The image was altered to include floating shoes, shorts, and a Dodgers cap, nodding to Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase. While creative, fans questioned why MLB chose to showcase Cena in Dodgers gear, turning attention away from the WWE moment and toward the Dodgers.
The post read:
“His time is now! Congrats to John Cena on his record-breaking 17th WWE World Championship #WrestleMania,” alongside the image.
This led to backlash online. Fans wondered why MLB focused on the Dodgers when Cena has worn gear from multiple other teams in the past—such as the Blue Jays, Padres, Astros, Yankees, and notably the Red Sox. Cena, born in Massachusetts, was a well-known Red Sox fan for many years. However, in 2012, he announced he had become a Tampa Bay Rays supporter, praising their grit and determination.
His time is now!
Congrats to John Cena on his record-breaking 17th WWE World Championship #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/Ow5w7bKfWD
— MLB (@MLB) April 21, 2025
So, fans were confused—why use Dodgers imagery at all? Especially considering the Dodgers’ recent World Series success, many saw the post as tone-deaf and another example of perceived favoritism. This wasn’t seen as a one-time misstep either. Many fans voiced their frustration, calling out MLB for what they believe is a long-standing bias toward the Dodgers.
One fan bluntly commented, “And you posted him in a Dodgers uni? Go f–k yourselves.” Others sarcastically remarked that it made perfect sense—“Of course the Dodgers have John Cena.” The Dodgers, who are known for their aggressive spending and star-studded roster, seem to get favorable treatment in terms of publicity, scheduling, and rest days.
MLB’s social media has often been accused of pushing Dodgers content disproportionately. Fans noted how even after the Cubs’ recent 16-0 blowout win over the Dodgers, MLB barely acknowledged it. But when it came to a completely unrelated event—like Cena’s wrestling triumph—somehow the Dodgers were still featured.
Frustrated fans suggested the league could have used other images—perhaps of Cena performing his signature Attitude Adjustment on Rhodes—but instead, the focus shifted to the Dodgers, turning what should have been a celebration of Cena’s wrestling legacy into a promotional moment for one team.
Now, fans are left debating: Is MLB’s admiration for the Dodgers getting in the way of honoring achievements in a balanced way?