J.World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) legend ohn Cena surprised fans on Saturday night by announcing his retirement after more than two decades in the ring. He is expected to make his final appearance in 2025.
Cena, 47, made his announcement at WWE’s “Money in the Bank” event in Canada, and thanked the fans for their energy and for allowing him to “play in their home.”
“Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from WWE,” the 16-time WWE Champion he told the crowd, who collectively gasped at the news.
Cena made his WWE TV debut in 2002 and has since become a fixture in the wrestling organization, headlining WrestleMania five times. He is also a well-known actor, landing roles in O Suicide squad, Fast and Furious 9, Argyle, It is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Since 2018, he has been with WWE part-time to focus on his acting career. Cena is also the “The most requested celebrity wish granter of all time” for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with more than 650 wishes granted.
Cena explained that in his more than two decades in WWE, whether the sport is popular or not, “the Canadians always show up”, which is why he announced his retirement there.
“We are going to build so many unforgettable finals,” Cena said, pointing to each major event in 2025. “The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last. The 2025 elimination chamber will be my last. And… Wrestlemania 2025 will be the last Wrestlemania I compete in.”
After the speech, the packed crowd erupted in a chant of “Thank you, Cena,” and the fighter thanked the audience for the gesture.
On a press conference after the showCena clarified his farewell tour, stating that he will do a “long list of dates” from January to December 2025. He said that WWE is his “home” and so he plans to remain involved in the sport, utilizing his “wisdom”, even may he not enter the ring after retirement.
It was during the press conference that he explained the reason for his retirement, stating that he was “physically in good condition”. [his] It’s over.” He continued assuring fans that it was definitely over, with no surprise revival on the agenda. That doesn’t mean he’s left the WWE family, as the wrestler said he hopes to “be a member of the extended WWE family for some time.” He said he has been discussing retirement with WWE for a long time, and they were the ones who told Cena that 2025 was the right time to do his farewell tour with the sport’s recent rise in popularity.
“There were many before me, there will be many after. I think all I can do is say thank you before this chapter ends,” said Cena.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
