In a heartfelt announcement that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, John Cena, the iconic US wrestling superstar and actor, revealed his decision to retire from in-ring competition in 2025. The announcement was made by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) via their official social media platform X on Saturday.
“WWE is deeply saddened to announce that John Cena will be retiring from in-ring competition after WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas,” WWE stated in their post.
Cena, a 16-time world champion and one of WWE’s most beloved figures, disclosed his retirement plans during a surprise appearance at Money in the Bank in Toronto, Canada. Expressing gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support over the years, Cena confirmed that the 2025 Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41 would mark his final appearances in the ring.
The WWE legend also hinted at future involvement with Raw’s transition to Netflix in January, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the sport and its evolving platforms.
Addressing a packed arena, Cena admitted to mixed emotions about his retirement. “There have been incredible waves of prosperity during my time here at WWE,” he reflected, acknowledging the industry’s current momentum. “WWE is the hottest ticket in town,” he affirmed.
As chants of “Thank you, Cena!” reverberated throughout the venue, Cena took a moment to acknowledge the overwhelming support. “What an incredible gesture of kindness. I wanna say thank you,” he responded, visibly moved. “Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years,” he added, his voice filled with gratitude.
In his closing remarks, Cena expressed appreciation for the fans’ unwavering honesty and support throughout his career. “Thank you so much always for your voice because it is so loud and your honesty because it is beautifully brutal,” he concluded, leaving a lasting impression on the WWE universe.
With Cena’s retirement announcement, a chapter closes on an illustrious career marked by unparalleled achievements and an enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.