After more than two decades of body slams, showdowns, and countless memorable moments, John Cena is ready to hang up his wrestling boots. But what’s driving this legendary WWE superstar to say goodbye to the squared circle?
Fans at WWE’s Money in the Bank event in Toronto were stunned when Cena made an unexpected appearance. Known for his “never give up” mantra, Cena unveiled a towel that read, “The last time is now.”
As he took the microphone, he announced his retirement from WWE, leaving the audience in shock. The decision to retire in 2025 comes after careful consideration and conversations with WWE executives.
John Cena is retiring because he feels it’s the right time to step away, given WWE’s current success and future plans. “The business is at incredible heights of popularity and awareness,” Cena said. He also mentioned WWE’s move to Netflix in 2025 as a significant factor, saying, “We think the time is now.”
The Road to Retirement
John Cena’s announcement wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was the result of thorough discussions and planning with WWE. Cena revealed that he had approached WWE with the idea of his retirement, and together they determined that 2025 would be the perfect time for his final bow.
The timing coincides with WWE’s upcoming partnership with Netflix, marking a significant shift for the company.
“That’s a good question. I think the answer is because it’s not up to me,” Cena stated during the Money in the Bank post-show.
“Again, I approached the WWE with this idea. They kind of initiated the talks that this would be a great span of time if we were ever going to do it. And gosh, this is no thanks to me, but the business is at incredible heights of popularity and awareness. There is some really big things going on, especially the Netflix debut, which is very important.”
Cena’s humility shines through as he credits WWE’s current success and the exciting future ahead as key reasons for his retirement. He expressed gratitude for being part of this monumental moment in WWE history, where his idea of retirement coincides with a major shift for the company.
“I take pride in still being an individual that they can call up and say, ‘Hey, remember that idea you were talking about? We think the time is now.’ So that really warmed my heart, that not only did my thought resonate of let’s do something, that we can bring all of us together where all of us can bond and have excitement. And they will write the stories, and we’ll execute the best we can. But I’m flattered that I was asked to be a part of something like this.”
Cena’s farewell isn’t just about leaving the ring, it’s about embracing the future.
As WWE moves to Netflix in January 2025, Cena plans to stay involved, ensuring a smooth transition for the company. His role in this new chapter of WWE underscores his dedication to the brand and his desire to see it continue to flourish.
Despite his retirement, Cena’s influence and presence will undoubtedly linger. He’s been a cornerstone of WWE for years, captivating audiences with his charisma and athleticism. His retirement marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one for WWE.
What do you think about John Cena’s retirement? How do you feel about WWE’s move to Netflix? Will Cena’s legacy continue to shape WWE’s future?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
