At the “Money in the Bank” event hosted by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), John Cena, a 16-time WWE world champion, made a surprising announcement of his upcoming retirement from wrestling. The 47-year-old wrestling legend, who has been a central figure in WWE since his debut in 2000, revealed his decision amidst a mixed reception from the audience, including some boos.
During his announcement, Cena expressed gratitude to the fans, acknowledging their role in his career: “Thank you for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years.” Following the event, in a press conference, Cena elaborated on his retirement decision, emphasizing that while he cherishes his time in WWE, he feels it’s the right moment to transition.
Cena plans to complete 30 to 40 wrestling dates through 2025, effectively marking the conclusion of his wrestling journey. Despite his immense success in WWE and tying Ric Flair’s record of 16 world championships, Cena clarified that his retirement is definitive, contrasting it with wrestlers who have returned after announcing retirement. He stated firmly, “I’m done. This is it.”
Looking ahead, Cena highlighted his upcoming projects in Hollywood, including his involvement in films like “Barbie,” “The Suicide Squad,” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise. He expressed pride in being part of WWE’s history and remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for his global audience beyond wrestling.
Cena’s retirement marks a significant milestone in his career, signaling the end of an era in WWE while opening new chapters in entertainment and beyond.