John Cena, 16-time world champion, announces retirement from WWE after 22 years in ring
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Wrestler-turned-actor, John Cena, has announced his retirement from WWE after 22 years.
The 47-year-old actor made a surprise appearance at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event in Toronto on Saturday night.
Cena revealed that he will step away from wrestling next year after embarking on a retirement tour, which will include appearances at iconic events such as the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania.
John Cena officially announces his retirement from WWE
The 16-time world champion, widely considered one of WWE's greatest superstars, expressed his desire to play a role in WWE's transition to Netflix as the weekly 'Monday Night Raw' show moves to the streaming platform in January 2025.
Cena's WWE appearances have significantly decreased in recent years as he focused on achieving success in movies and television, as per Daily Mail.
Addressing the audience in the ring on Saturday night, Cena asserted, 'Why am I here? Tonight I officially announce my retirement from the WWE.”
He then listed the topics he intends to cover during his talk, “I hear a mixed opinion out there. A lot of questions maybe, right? Like, why here? I want to talk about that for a second. I want to talk about Toronto. Matter of fact, I want to talk about Canada. Matter of fact, I want to talk about Canadians.”
Cena reminisced about his period in WWE, “I've been doing this a while. I've been in WWE for over two decades and in that time I've seen incredible waves of prosperity like we got right now. WWE is the hottest ticket in town, no doubt”
Cena reflected on the tribulations he has faced and said, “And I've also seen tremendous hardship and that's when nobody knows your name, nobody wants to be your friend and only the most dedicated, hardcore fans stand by your side.”
He stressed the importance of fans in his journey, “So in all those years one of the most important, one of the most impressive things that I learned was whether the WWE was hot or cold, Canadians always show up.”
"All of you built this to what it is today which makes this, in my mind, the perfect place to say what I've got to say,” Cena claimed.
John Cena says 'this farewell does not end tonight' during retirement announcement
Cena then expressed that this farewell marks a new beginning, "This farewell does not end tonight. It is filled with opportunity. Everybody, RAW makes history next year when it moves to Netflix. I've never been a part of RAW on Netflix. That is history. That is a first and I will be there."
'The Bear' star added, "Along with that history-making first, we are going to build so many unforgettable lasts. The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last. The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be my last and I'm here tonight to announce that WrestleMania Las Vegas in 2025 will be the last WrestleMania I compete in."
Cena promised to answer many questions, "I know, I know. That's a lot to take in. Probably a lot of questions out there, which is why I'm telling you right now I am going to kick off the press conference right after the show and I will be fielding any and all questions to do with my retirement."
"I want to say thank you. What an incredible gesture of kindness. I want to say thank you. Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years." 'The Suicide Squad' actor expressed gratitude. "Thank you so much always for your voice, because it's really loud and your honesty because it's beautifully brutal. and most of all thank you so much for allowing me to be here with you tonight to let the world know we are planning something unforgettable which also involves me returning to Toronto to kick some a**."
He concluded, "So if you are watching at home or here in Toronto or if you're a WWE superstar, if you want some hurry up and come get some because the last time is now."
John Cena's retirement announcement sparks discussion online
Following John Cena's retirement announcement, internet users swarmed to share their opinions, as per Daily Mail.
One user criticized, "They retire and then they come back when the money is right." Another fan said, "He was the hero of my childhood, this is truly the end of an era."
Someone else wrote, "We won't see you anymore! apart from awful films."
While one individual asserted, "A hero of mine. Thanks for all the memories. Greatest sportsman ever," another distressed fan stated, "Oh no I’m devastated."
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
