US actor and wrestler John Cena has announced his retirement from World Wrestling Entertainment after a 20-year career.
Cena, 47, made the surprise announcement to fans during the WWE Money in the Bank event in Toronto, Canada.
“Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from WWE,” Cena told the crowd, who reacted with shock and then chanted, “Thank you Cena.”
Wearing a t-shirt with the words “The Last Time is Now” and his trademark denim shorts, Cena thanked WWE fans for “letting me play in the house that you built for so many years.”
Cena revealed that his final in-ring competition will be in 2025 as part of a farewell tour. Despite retiring from active wrestling, Cena expressed his desire to remain part of the WWE family in some capacity. He acknowledged feeling “at my end” physically but remained committed to supporting the organization.
Cena is often regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, having achieved world champion status 16 times since joining WWE in 2001. He has been performing part-time in WWE since 2018, as his acting career took off with roles in films like *The Marine*, *The Suicide Squad*, *Fast & Furious 9*, and *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*.
In a press conference after the event, Cena explained that the decision to retire was made in consultation with WWE executives. “It was not up to me,” he said, adding that WWE thought “this would be a great span of time if we were ever gonna do it.”
Cena did not discuss former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, who has been facing allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault.
Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era for WWE, but his legacy will continue through his many contributions to the sport and his charitable work.
He holds a Guinness World Record for the number of wishes granted to Make-A-Wish children with critical illnesses, making him the all-time most-requested celebrity by kids with the charity.
