John Cena has announced his shock retirement from WWE with the 16-time World Champion set to end his time inside the ring by 2025.
Cena made the announcement during the Money In The Bank Premium Live Event in Toronto, where he made a surprise appearance. Cena was sporting a new t-shirt which had the words ‘the Last Time is Now’ written on it.
Cena was introduced by WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus to the crowd in Toronto, before Cena would announce his retirement from the company. At first, it was thought that the 16-time World Champion would wrestle for the last time at WrestleMania. However, Cena stated in the post Money In The Bank media scrum that WrestleMania 41 would be his final appearance at the Show Of Shows and he aims to wrestle until December 2025.
“Tonight, I announce my retirement from the WWE,” said Cena inside the ring.
Cena is expected to be on WWE RAW’s debut on Netflix, Royal Rumble 2025, Elimination Chamber 2025 and WrestleMania 41.
John Cena’s WWE career so far
Cena has had a Hall Of Fame career in WWE, since making his debut in the company in 2002 when he answered an open challenge from Kurt Angle during an episode of SmackDown in June.
Cena quickly adopted the ‘Doctor of Thuganomics’ persona, that made him an instant hit amongst the fans and he would go on to win the WWE Championship for the first time in his career.
Cena has then gone on to win the WWE title a total of 13 times, World Heavyweight championship 3 times and won the Royal Rumble 2 times. Cena has adopted a lesser role in WWE over the past few years given his Hollywood commitments.
Cena has taken time off his schedule to make appearances in WWE and also made the trip to India for the first time in his career last year. Cena’s last appearance in the WWE before Sunday was during the WrestleMania 40 main event when he got involved in the match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes.