US wrestling star John Cena has announced his retirement from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events. At the Money In The Bank event in Toronto, Canada, the 47-year-old declared that his final appearances would be at the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas in 2025.
Reflecting on his over two-decade-long career, Cena spoke about the “incredible prosperity” and “tremendous hardship” he experienced. His announcement was met with cheers from the crowd, who chanted “Thank you Cena,” to which he responded with gratitude, thanking fans for their support.
Cena, who has been signed to WWE since 2001 (then known as WWF), transitioned to a part-time performer in 2018. During his wrestling career, he became a 16-time world champion and is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
Outside the ring, Cena has appeared in several films, including the 2015 comedy “Trainwreck,” the 2021 film “The Suicide Squad,” and most recently, Matthew Vaughn’s spy action comedy “Argylle.”
Cena initially moved to California in the late 1990s to pursue bodybuilding but switched to professional wrestling in 1999, quickly rising to fame in WWE.
Cena’s impact extended beyond wrestling; in 2005, he released his only album, “You Can’t See Me,” which reached number 103 on the UK albums chart. He also made headlines earlier this year by presenting the Oscar Award for best costume in the nude at the ceremony.
Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era, as he invites other WWE superstars to seize the moment and “hurry up and come get some” before his final appearances.
