WWE star Cody Rhodes, others hunt for John Cena in Clash of Clans, recalls why legend was booted from group

WWE Stars Partner with Clash of Clans for “Search for Cena” Campaign

In a surprising cross‑media collaboration, WWE superstars are teaming up with the hugely popular mobile game Clash of Clans to launch a week‑long scavenger hunt. The “Search for Cena” event, running through September 30, invites players worldwide to locate and raid a virtual base owned by retired wrestler John Cena.

The initiative is the second of its kind for WWE and Clash of Clans. It follows the earlier partnership that saw several wrestlers appear as playable characters in the game, including Alexa Bliss, The Undertaker, Iyo Sky, Jey Uso and Kane. In the current campaign, fans must find Cena’s base and score a three‑star raid to claim bragging rights and a prize.

Why the partnership?

The idea reportedly stems from the long‑standing friendship between Cena and fellow WWE star Cody Rhodes. Rhodes, who has long been a fan of Clash of Clans, credits Cena with introducing him to the game and even saying that the two once clashed over in‑game raids. “I got a couple of great memories from the fact that I get to do this and the ‘Search for Cena,’” Rhodes told OutKick DropKick, explaining that the collaboration is “a really good synergy that I don’t think you would have ever expected.”

The event is also a nod to Cena’s retirement. “People think this started in the ring with Cody,” Cena said in a press release. “It didn’t. It started when I out‑raided him in the game and he threw me off his team.” Now, the former “American Nightmare” is inviting millions of players to find his base, offering the same kind of challenge that fans have enjoyed in the ring for decades.

How it works

Clash of Clans players will use the game’s global chat to share clues and coordinate raids. Each participating clan can post updates and screenshots of their attempts. The first team to complete a three‑star raid on Cena’s base wins a special in‑game trophy and a commemorative badge. The event has already seen players from across North America, Europe and Asia scrambling to uncover the hidden base.

Rhodes, who has his own character – the “Barbarian King” – is one of the main hosts. “It’s a little bit different than being in a pro wrestling video game, which most fans expect me to be in,” he said. “But this is the first time I’ve been in a game that’s been around for so long.”

Other WWE stars in the game

In addition to the raid, the collaboration features a roster of WWE personalities who appear as playable heroes. Alexa Bliss is the “Archer Queen,” The Undertaker takes the role of “Grand Warden,” and Iyo Sky is the “Royal Champion.” Jey Uso is the “Minion Prince,” while Kane becomes the “Dragon Duke.” Each character offers unique abilities that reflect the wrestler’s in‑ring persona.

“It’s not just a marketing gimmick,” Rhodes added. “We’re bringing a whole generation of WWE fans into the Clash community and letting them experience the game in a new way.”

A legacy of cross‑media partnerships

WWE has a history of blending its live events with digital media. From the first WWE video game releases in the 1990s to recent live streaming initiatives, the company has consistently sought to engage audiences outside the ring. Clash of Clans, with over two billion downloads worldwide, provides a massive platform for WWE to reach younger audiences.

The “Search for Cena” event is part of a broader push to keep WWE in the public eye during a time of transition, as many of its top stars shift focus to other projects. For fans who followed Cena’s career from his early days to his final match, the chance to virtually “raid” his base offers a novel way to celebrate his legacy.

Looking ahead

While the campaign ends on September 30, WWE executives have hinted at future collaborations with other mobile games and online platforms. “We’re always looking for creative ways to bring fans closer to the sport,” said a WWE spokesperson. “This partnership has proven that the wrestling community can thrive across multiple media.”

For now, the Clash of Clans community is on a quest to find Cena’s hidden fortress. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, the “Search for Cena” event offers a chance to test your strategy skills, rally your clan, and honor one of the sport’s biggest icons.