John Cena Announces Retirement From WWE, Final WrestleMania Appearance in 2025
“I have no intention on being physical in any way. No guest refereeing, no falling through an accidental table. None of that stuff. I will be a fan and an advocate, and that’s it”
John Cena makes his way to the ring during Money in the Bank at Scotiabank Arena on July 6, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. WWE/GETTY IMAGES
Wrestling star-turned-actor John Cena revealed at the WWE’s Money in the Bank event Saturday that he plans on retiring from the wrestling in 2025, and that the upcoming WrestleMania 41 next year would be his last time participating in that event.
“Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from the WWE,” Cena told fans from the ring in Toronto, which drew a flurry of cheers and boos. “I hear a mixed opinion out there. A lot of questions maybe, right?”
Cena, whose history with the WWE dates back to 2000, added during his surprise announcement, “I’ve been doing this for a while, I’ve been in WWE for over two decades, and in that time I’ve seen incredible waves of prosperity like we have right now. WWE is the hottest ticket in town, no doubt. And I’ve also seen tremendous hardship, and that’s when no one knows your name, no one wants to be your friend, and only the most dedicated, hardcore fans stand by your side.”
He added that, despite announcing his retirement revelation, his time in the ring wasn’t over just yet. Instead, he would continue to make appearances throughout 2025, which will include WWE’s Raw heading to Netflix. “This farewell does not end tonight,” Cena said. “It is filled with opportunity.”
However, he added that next year’s premier WWE events — like Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 2025 in Las Vegas — would mark his last time competing as a wrestler.
“I look forward to ending my participation in the ring in the best way that I possibly can. And being a member of the extended WWE family for quite some time,” Cena said. “I have no intention on being physical in any way. No guest refereeing, no falling through an accidental table. None of that stuff. I will be a fan and an advocate, and that’s it.”
A 16-time WWE champion, Cena — like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dave “Batista” Bautista — is among the wrestling company’s stars to successfully make the jump from the ring to the big screen with roles in the Fast & Furious franchise as well as blockbusters like The Suicide Squid, Argylle and Barbie. Cena (who cameos on this season of The Bear and had a scene-stealing appearance at this year’s Oscars) will next star in the action-comedy Jackpot, with a second season of his DC show Peacemaker also in the works.
From Rolling Stone US.
