US wrestling icon and actor John Cena has declared he will retire from in-ring competition in 2025.
According to a statement by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on the social media platform X on Saturday. WWE disclosed, “John Cena announces his retirement, highlighting that WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas will mark his final appearance.”
The announcement came unexpectedly during his participation at the WWE Money in the Bank event in Canada. “I officially announce my retirement from the WWE tonight,” Cena informed the Toronto audience.
As fans echoed, “Thank you, Cena,” he expressed gratitude, labelling it an “incredible gesture of kindness.”
Sporting a t-shirt titled “The Last Time is Now,” Cena thanked the WWE fans for their enduring support.
He later mentioned his plan to continue involvement with the WWE family in a different role. Cena, celebrated as one of the all-time greats, has claimed the world champion title 16 times since his WWE debut in 2001.
His decision follows a January interview in which Cena foreshadowed his retirement, stating it was imminent. “That’s not a maybe,” he asserted in an IGN report. That time is going to come, and it’s going to come soon.”
In addition to his wrestling acclaim, Cena has carved out a successful Hollywood career, appearing in films like The Marine, Bumblebee, and The Suicide Squad.