In a shocking announcement during WWE’s “Money in the Bank” event, 16-time WWE world champion John Cena revealed he will retire from professional wrestling next year.
The 47-year-old wrestler turned actor stunned fans with the news, which was met with boos from some in the audience.
Cena took the moment to express his gratitude to viewers, saying, “Thank you for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years.”
“WWE is filled with stories. It’s constantly a program of stories ending and new stories beginning,” Cena said at a press conference after the event. “I’ve never been too concerned with the word ‘legacy,’ and I don’t want you to mix messages here: It doesn’t mean I shortchange any second on the canvas. I wish I could do it infinitely. Now I want to just try to do something special for a globe of people I owe everything to.”
BREAKING NEWS: John Cena announced at #MITB he will retire from in-ring competition in 2025.#ThankYouCena pic.twitter.com/6TPnYI5iU2
— WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2024
Cena, who has been a prominent figure in the WWE since 2000, revealed his plans to complete between 30 to 40 dates through 2025 as he winds down his wrestling career. He explained that he once contemplated retirement but now feels the timing is right to bow out.
“The business is at incredible heights of popularity and awareness,” Cena said.
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“There are some big things going on, especially the Netflix debut [happening in January 2025], and I take pride in being an individual WWE can call up and say, ‘Remember that idea? The time is now.’ Let’s do something that can bring all of us together.”
John Cena leaves behind an envious legacy
Cena’s 16 championships are tied with legendary wrestler Ric Flair for the record. While many in the industry have retired and then returned, Cena insists that next year will be his final curtain call.
“People say they’re walking away, and two years later they come back,” he said. “I want to set the record straight right now: I’m done. This is it.”
Since gaining popularity in the WWE, John Cena has also found success on the big screen in films like “Barbie,” “The Suicide Squad,” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise.
