US actor and wrestler John Cena has announced his retirement from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events. Cena made the unexpected announcement during an appearance at the WWE Money in the Bank event in Canada.
The 47-year-old, who transitioned to acting 18 years ago, revealed that his final in-ring competition will be in 2025 as part of a farewell tour. Cena, often regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, achieved world champion status 16 times since joining WWE in 2001.
“Tonight I officially announce my retirement from the WWE,” he told fans in Toronto, who reacted with surprise and later chanted “thank you Cena.” He responded, “What an incredible gesture of kindness.”
Wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “The Last Time is Now” and his trademark “jorts” [denim shorts], Cena thanked WWE fans for “letting me play in the house that you built for so many years.”
At a subsequent press conference, Cena mentioned his intention to remain part of the WWE family in some capacity despite feeling “at my end” physically.
Cena made his acting debut in 2006 with the film The Marine, and has since landed roles in several big-budget films, including The Suicide Squad, Fast & Furious 9, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Since 2018, Cena has performed in WWE part-time as his acting career flourished.
Earlier this year, Cena made headlines after appearing naked, save for a strategically placed envelope, during an Academy Awards skit. Additionally, he holds the Guinness World Record for the most wishes granted to Make-A-Wish children, cementing his status as the most requested celebrity by kids with the charity.
As Cena prepares for his final matches, his legacy in both wrestling and acting remains firmly established.
